2023 Africa Cup Of Nations: Morocco's Favorite Team Works Hard To Conquer 10 Tanzanian Players

JAKARTA - Morocco, who is one of the favorites of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, beat 10 Tanzanians 3-0 in the Group F match at Laurent Pokou, Thursday, January 18 in the morning WIB.

Morocco started the fight in the African Cup of Nations with satisfactory results. Only, Morocco must work hard before winning.

In that match, Tanzania troubled Morocco throughout the first half. After Tanzania lost Novatus Miroshi who got a red card in the middle of the second half, their game immediately changed. Morocco then fully controlled the game and won the first victory.

Coach Walid Regragati admits Morocco is going through a difficult match. Moreover, they competed with hot weather. According to Regguri, the team's victory could not be separated from the patience of players in facing Tanzania's strong defense.

"In a match that is not easy. Moreover, we play with hot and humid weather. However, we remain calm and not in a hurry. This makes us play patiently," said Regragati.

Followed by the coach who brought Morocco to fourth place in the 2022 World Cup, "We played well and I am satisfied with this result."

In that match, Morocco fielded the best squad. In front of there are Youssef En-Nesyri strikers. Likewise Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, and Achraf Hakimi started the match.

However, Ziyech et al, which made it difficult for the surprise in Qatar to face Tanzania, which has a strong defense. Their attack always ran aground in the Tanzanian defense.

After many failures, Morocco's efforts finally paid off in the 30th minute. Captain Romain Saiss opened Morocco's victory after continuing Hakim Ziyech's free-kick.

Goalkeeper Aisha Manula failed to anticipate the ball from Saiss and moved in the opposite direction to the ball. This became the third goal of the centre-back for 80 times defending Morocco. The 1-0 score also lasted until halftime.

In the second half, Morocco again pressed the opponent's defense. But Tanzania did not lose power in the back sector. Despite being hit by a bumpy attack from the Atlas Lions, they remained strong.

It's just that the situation began to change after Miroshi got a second yellow card followed by a red card in the 70th minute. Practically, Tanzani defended more because he played with 10 people.

Miroshi is indeed unfortunate every time he meets the first African team to reach the semifinals of this World Cup. In the duel against the same team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November 2023, Mirzashi, who is currently borrowed by Shakhtar Donetsk, also received a red card. In that match, Tanzania lost 2-0.

The advantages of the number of players were put to good use by Morocco. Not long ago or in the 77th minute, attacking midfielder Azzedine Ounahi solidified Morocco's advantage. Through the cooperation of one or two with Amine Adli, the Marseille player then fired into the corner.

Furthermore, Ziyech set up the attack that En-Nesyri completed in the 80th minute. At first the goal was about to be disallowed because it was considered offside.

However, referee Alhadji Allau Mahamat then reviewed the incident via VAR. When the referee reviewed it, En-Nesyri was pulled out to be replaced by Amine Harit.

The referee then approved the Sevilla striker's goal. He also celebrated a goal from the bench. The score 3-0 for Morocco lasted until the end of the match.

Victory in this first match brought Morocco to the top of Group F. In another match in the group equal, Congo drew 1-1 against Zambia.