Favourites Morocco begin CHAN 2024 with solid 2-0 win over Angola

Morocco' Imad Riahi (18)celebrate with his team mate after scoring openning goal against Angola at the Nyayo National stadium.  [Jonah Onyango]

Morocco kicked off their CHAN 2024 campaign in confident fashion, securing a 2-0 win over Angola at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on Saturday. A composed finish from Imad Riahi and a late own goal by Angola defender Kinito ensured the North Africans walked away with all three points in their Group A opener.

In the same group, hosts Kenya edged DR Congo 1-0 in a tight contest, courtesy of a decisive strike from Allan Odhiambo just before half-time.

Morocco Take Control

The match between Morocco and Angola began cautiously, with both teams showing early signs of caution. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when captain Rabie Hrimat picked out Imad Riahi with a precise through ball, and the forward calmly slotted it past the Angolan goalkeeper to give Morocco the lead.

Angola failed to offer a real response before the interval, heading into half-time trailing by a single goal.

Despite showing more urgency in the second half, Angola struggled to penetrate Morocco’s disciplined backline. Their hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 81st minute when Kinito accidentally diverted a Moroccan cross into his own net, handing the Atlas Lions a 2-0 cushion they comfortably held onto.

Kenya Strike Late in First Half to Down DR Congo

Earlier in the day, Allan Odhiambo's clinical finish shortly  before half-time proved enough for Kenya to defeat DR Congo 1-0 in a hard-fought encounter. The Harambee Stars displayed solid organisation and determination to hold onto their lead despite second-half pressure from the Congolese.

Group A Standings and Fixtures

With the victories, both Morocco and Kenya top Group A with three points each, with Morocco ahead on goal difference. Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia are yet to register a point.

Morocco will face Kenya in a top-of-the-table clash on August 10, followed by matches against Zambia on August 14 and DR Congo on August  17.