AFCON 2023: Morocco Beats Toothless Tanzania 3-0

Morocco comfortably secured a 3-0 victory over Tanzania in their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash on Wednesday.

The surprising semi-finalists of the 2022 World Cup played against the 10-man team Tanzania in their group match in San Pedro today.

The team’s captain, Romain Saiss, found the back of the net in the first half, and following Tanzania’s Novatus Miroshi being sent off, Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nesyri also scored for the Atlas Lions.

Despite being a dominant force in African football for many years, Morocco has only won the Cup of Nations title once, 48 years ago in Ethiopia. However, their remarkable performance in the 2018 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the semi-finals and defeated Spain and Portugal, brought them international recognition.

The victory against Tanzania, who are considered outsiders in the group, was expected as Morocco is currently ranked 13th in the world, a staggering 108 places above the Taifa Stars.

Morocco fielded seven players from the team that started in their 2-0 loss to France in the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar.

There were three La Liga players, two each from the Premier League and Ligue 1 and two with Saudi Pro League sides. Moroccans with Turkish and Egyptian clubs completed the line-up.

This contrasted sharply with Tanzania, whose line-up included Tarryn Allarakhia from English fifth-tier outfit Wealdstone. The winger struggled and was replaced after 38 minutes.

As expected, Morocco established territorial and possession dominance from the kick-off in a stadium named after deceased Ivorian star Laurent Pokou.

There were three players from La Liga, two from the Premier League and Ligue 1 each, and two from Saudi Pro League teams. The line-up was completed by Moroccans playing for Turkish and Egyptian clubs.

In contrast, Tanzania’s line-up featured Tarryn Allarakhia from Wealdstone, an English fifth-tier team. However, the winger faced difficulties and was substituted after 38 minutes.

As anticipated, Morocco took control of the territory and possession right from the start in a stadium named after the late Ivorian legend, Laurent Pokou.