The Atlas Lions made a sensational entry into the African Cup of Nations. In their first match against Tanzania, the team led by Walid Regragui won brilliantly with a score of 3-0. This remarkable performance allowed the Moroccans to take control of group F, which also includes the DRC.
From the first period, Tanzania failed to offer a significant offensive threat. Tanzanian players, including Mbwana Samatta, struggled to worry Moroccan goalkeeper Yacine Bounou. It was ultimately thanks to a well-constructed action that the Atlas Lions opened the scoring. On a free kick from Hakim Ziyech pushed back by the opposing goalkeeper, Romain Saiss had the flair to push the ball into the back of the net (1-0).
In the second half, the situation became even more complicated for Tanzania, who found themselves reduced to ten men after Miroshi’s expulsion. The Moroccans were able to take advantage of this numerical superiority to widen the gap. In the 77th minute, a superb combination between Amine Adli and Azzedine Ounahi resulted in a second goal scored by the latter (2-0). Three minutes later, it was Youssef En-Nesyri who finished in style on a cross from Hakim Achraf, bringing the score to 3-0 in favor of the Atlas Lions.
This resounding victory against Tanzania gives the Moroccans an excellent start in the competition. They inflicted on their opponent the second heaviest defeat since the start of the African Cup of Nations. Now they are looking forward to DRC’s next match against Zambia to find out their real position in the group.
The Atlas Lions showed a solid and offensive game, thus confirming their status as semi-finalists of the last World Cup. The Moroccan team intends to continue this momentum and aspire to even more remarkable performances in the rest of the competition. Fans of African football have reason to rejoice, as the Atlas Lions are already announcing a promising run at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.