AFCON 2021: Morocco defeated Ghana after a hard fought battle- Match report
The heavyweight clash between Morocco and Ghana was a bit disappointing, as the two teams were not exciting and rather too cautious. Nevertheless, Morocco emerged the hero in the clash of titans, and got the full points.
Morocco defeated Ghana by 1-0 in the opening game of group C of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday. Boufal’s 82nd thunderous strike won it for Morocco at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde.
This win also means Morocco now have two wins, one loss and one draw head to head with Ghana.
It was a tough match for both teams and it feature surprising selections on both sides. The surprise selection in the starting XI of Ghana is the inclusion of Kamaldeen Sulemana having came to camp late on Saturday.
On the Morocco side, coach Vahid Halilhodzic task the youngster Zakaria Aboukhlal, AZ Alkamaar to lead the attack line following the absence of Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi.
The game started slow, as both teams applied caution going forward. However, it was Morocco that has the first shot on target in the 14th minute after catching onto a loose pass by Thomas Partey, to fire a shot to into the arms of the Ghanaian goalkeeper, Joseph Wollacot.
After 33 minutes, the Arsenal midfielder played a free-kick over the bar following a foul on Jordan Ayew outside the 18-yard box.
The Atlas Lions came close to scoring the first goal after 40 minutes, however, Morocco captain, Romain Saiss headed the free-kick over the bar.
Keepers on both sides were not really tested due to lack of clear openings and it continues into the second half.
However, on the 65 minute mark, the Black Stars had a clear chance to score, after a beautiful delivery from Baba Rahman to Andre Ayew but, his volley went off target.
Ghana came close to scoring again on the 72 minute mark, after Paintsil fired a curling shot to the far right corner, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was able to parry the shot away. All these while, it was Ghana enjoying the moment.
But when it was the turn of the Atlas Lions to test the Black Stars goal, it went straight into the back of net, and there was a silence among the Ghanaian fans.
Morocco, Sofiane Boufal capitalized on a loose ball and fired a thunderous shot past Wollacot after 82 minutes to hand Morocco the win in this contest.
The Black Stars did their best to get an equalizer, but their best was not enough as Boufal’s goal was enough for Morocco to emerge victorious and leader of the group ahead of the game between Comoros and Gabon.
The West Africans must secure at least a win and a draw in their next two games, to have the hope of qualifying for the next round. In their next game, Ghana will battle Gabon while Morocco will lock horns with Comoros on January 14.
