Morocco Roars to Victory in Africa Cup of Nations Opener
Image Source: Internet
Hosts Morocco kicked off the Africa Cup of Nations with a dominant 2-0 win over Comoros on a chilly Sunday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The Atlas Lions' winning streak extended to 19 consecutive matches, solidifying their position as Africa's top-ranked team. Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi were the heroes of the night, scoring crucial goals in the second half. Diaz netted the opener from inside the box 10 minutes after the interval, while El Kaabi's stunning overhead kick sealed the deal for Morocco. The match was a closely contested affair in the first half, with Soufiane Rahimi's penalty attempt being saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor. The visitors held their ground until the second half, when Morocco's pressure eventually paid off. Achraf Hakimi, Morocco's star player and captain, was surprisingly left on the bench due to an ankle injury. Coach Walid Regragui's decision to preserve Hakimi for the tougher tests ahead was a strategic move, considering the Atlas Lions' next games against Mali and Zambia in Group A. Morocco's victory was also notable for the attendance of prominent figures, including Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The match was played before a crowd of 60,180, making it a memorable night for the hosts. The Atlas Lions will look to maintain their winning momentum in their next game against Mali on Friday, while Comoros will face a tough road ahead in the tournament. The Africa Cup of Nations continues to unfold, with Group B matches featuring South Africa vs. Angola and Mohamed Salah's Egypt taking on outsiders Zimbabwe on Monday.
