The Atlas Lions of Morocco opened their campaign for a second continental trophy on a flying note, beating the Taifa Stars of Tanzania 3-0 at the Stade de San Pedro Wednesday.
It was the opening game of the last group in the Cup of Nations.
Morocco were stepping out after an impressive showing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they made it to the last 4, the first for an African nation.
Romain Saïss pounced on a rebound of Hakim Ziyech’s free kick in the 30th minute to open the scores.
With a 1-0 lead into the break, the 1976 champions continued to push for the double.
But after being pinned to their backyard, Tanzania crumbled under pressure as midfielder Novatus Miroshi went into the referees book for the second time, sending him off.
The Moroccans capitalised on the numerical advantage with 20 minutes to go, getting two quick goals within the period.
The game ended 3-0 in favour of this year’s favourites.
They will next play DR Congo on Sunday before taking on Zambia in their final game.
The Taifa Stars, on the other hand, could find themselves bottom of Group F at least until their next game against Zambia.
They become the second side – after The Gambia – to lose by 3 goals in the competition so far.
