Morocco unfolds, Congo trapped… What to remember from Wednesday’s matches

Morocco, semi-finalist of the last World Cup, kicked off its African Cup of Nations on Wednesday against Tanzania.

The first day of the CAN group stage came to an end, Wednesday November 17, in Ivory Coast. There were therefore only two matches on the program, opposing the four teams of group F. And not the least, since the latter includes the Moroccans, who are favorites in this competition, as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo. And as often since the start of the CAN, we were treated to a surprise, while Morocco left its mark.

Morocco starts strong

Semi-finalist of the last World Cup (beaten in the semi-final by the Blues), Morocco knows it is eagerly awaited at this CAN. And the Atlas Lions will be even more so after their inaugural victory against Tanzania (3-0), at the Laurent-Pokou stadium in San-Pédro. A large success which should not mask the slow entry into the running of the Moroccans, who took control in the first period with a billiard shot after a free kick from Hakim Ziyech, well followed by Romain Saïss (30th).

Drafts, the Atlas Lions then waited for the end of the match, and the expulsion of Dismas Miroshi (70th) to definitively take shelter. Marseillais Azzedine Ounahi doubled the lead after a one-two with Amine Adli (77th), before Youssef En-Nesyri increased the score on a cross from Achraf Hakimi in the process. Winner 3-0, Morocco successfully entered the CAN, a competition that it has not won for 48 years.

Congo frustrated by Zambia

Congo and its many familiar faces from Ligue 1 pitches were surely hoping for better for their entry into the CAN. But Chancel Mbemba’s teammates, Cédric Bakambu and Gaël Kakuta were trapped by Zambia, at the Laurent-Pokou stadium in San Pédro (the same pitch trodden a few minutes earlier by Morocco and Tanzania). The Congolese however controlled the match from start to finish. But they were caught cold on a hazardous outing by their doorman.

On a long clearance from Zambia, Lionel Mpasi ventured out of his area to clear into touch. Except that the Rodez goalkeeper did not recover quickly enough, and was surprised by a superb lob from Kings Kangwa (24th). Against the run of play, Zambia found itself in control… for only a few minutes. Because the Leopards quickly reacted with a superb collective movement concluded by former Lorient player Yoane Wissa (27th). Final score: 1-1, and here is Congo already with its back against the wall before facing Morocco on Sunday.