AFCON 2023: Morocco comfortably wins over Tanzania, serious contender for African Title

The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup, have confirmed their status as serious contenders for African Nations Cup 2023 after beating Tanzania 3-0 in their opening game played Wednesday in Côte d’Ivoire.

From the start, Walid Regragui’s men took a total dominance of the match and created all the goal scoring opportunities in a hot and humid day. Defender Romain Saïss opened the score in the 30 minute after Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick was beaten out by Tanzania’s goalkeeper.

The Moroccans doubled their lead when Azzedine Ounahi received a pass inside the box and powered a thunderbolt to the underside of the goalkeeper at 77 minutes. Youssef En En-Nesyri scored his own in the 80 minutes, capping off a dominant performance by the Atlas Lions that will draw attention of rivals.

With their victory over Tanzania, Morocco made a successful start in the ongoing CAF Africa Cup of Nations. After their historic performance in the 2022 World Cup, the Atlas Lions are now vying for the African trophy they have not won since 1976. The task is not easy. Yet, they have already shown to the world that impossible is not Moroccan.