AFCON: Morocco Expectedly Delivers As DRC, Zambia Draw

By: Gyang Dakwo

Morocco defeated Tanzania on Wednesday in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening game, topping the group with style as they scored three unreplied goals to secure three crucial points.

Captain Romain Saiss opened the scoreline for Morocco in the 30th minute. Azzedine Ounahi solidified Morocco’s position after scoring a second goal in the 77th goal, while Youssef En-Nesyri brought comfort by scoring the third in the 80th minute.

The comfortable win was hardly surprising as many predictions placed Morocco as a favorite to win today’s game.

While Morocco’s Afcon record is unspectacular, having won the continental trophy only once, the Atlas Lions’ eye-catching and historic performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have made them most watchers’ main favorites to win this year’s continental trophy.

In the second group match, Democratic Republic of Congo failed to get their Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a winning start, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Zambia in their opening match.

The two-time champions, who last lifted the trophy in 1974, were the dominant force throughout, but their 24 shooting opportunities yielded just one goal.

That proved costly as Zambia, managed by ex-Chelsea boss Avram Grant, took the lead midway through the first half when Kings Kangwa intelligently converted from 25 yards, taking advantage of Lionel Mpasi being off his line.

Democratic Republic of Congo did not take long to respond, equalising when Brentford striker Yoane Wissa tapped home from close range from Cedric Bakambu’s slide pass, before having another effort cleared off the line moments later.

The result means both teams have picked up a point in Group F, which is led by Morocco.