Morocco secured a 3-0 victory against Tanzania, who played with only 10 players in their first match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The game started with Morocco taking the lead after Tanzania’s goalkeeper, Aishi Salum Manula, saved a free-kick but accidentally set up Romain Sass to score.
Throughout the match, Morocco maintained control and had more opportunities, while Tanzania struggled to create chances and only managed two shots, both of which missed the target.
Tanzania’s situation worsened when Novatus Miroshi received a second yellow card and was sent off after 70 minutes. Taking advantage of the numerical superiority, Morocco extended their lead with goals from Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nesyri. Initially, En-Nesyri’s goal was disallowed, but it was later awarded after a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Ounahi was Morocco’s shining spot for the full ninety minutes. He contributed shots, tackles, and deft, crucial passes, and his goal was a just reward for all of his hard work and dedication during the match.
Tanzania was never in the lead and didn’t even appear to be scoring, yet they managed to hold onto the ball for the majority of the match. After seventy minutes, when Miroshi came crashing in with a nasty tackle and got his marching orders, all chances had vanished. Morocco extended their lead seven minutes later and added a third in the 80th minute.
Tanzania will try to recover when they play Zambia on Sunday, while Morocco will look to build on their strong start against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
