Nairobi , Kenya.
Morocco began their CHAN 2024 campaign on a high with a 2-0 win over Angola on Sunday evening at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, securing three valuable points in their opening Group A fixture.
The match kicked off with both teams showing early intensity. Angola had the first real opportunity with a shot that went wide in the 6th minute, but despite their pressure, they struggled to find a breakthrough. Morocco found it difficult to retain the ball and were pushed deep into their own half, defending in numbers as Angola probed for an opener.
As the match wore on, Morocco slowly grew into the game. The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute. After Angola failed to clear their lines, Morocco’s captain Mohamed Hrimat picked up the loose ball and delivered a precise through pass into the path of Imad Riahi. The midfielder showed great composure to slot past the Angola goalkeeper and give Morocco the lead.
Angola pushed forward in search of an equalizer before the break, but Morocco remained organized and disciplined at the back. The first half ended with Morocco ahead 1-0, having taken full advantage of their first real chance.
The second half resumed with both teams unchanged. Morocco began strongly again, looking to extend their lead, while Angola continued to press forward. However, their final decisions in the attacking third let them down, and Morocco’s defense stood firm.
In the 64th minute, Angola made their first change, bringing on Vanilson in an attempt to revitalize their midfield and attack. Morocco responded with a substitution of their own in the 76th minute, introducing Khalid Baba to bring fresh legs as the game entered its closing stages.
As Angola pushed higher up the pitch, Morocco began to exploit the spaces left behind. Their persistence paid off in the 86th minute when a fast counterattack led to the second goal. A well-placed ball into the box caused panic in the Angolan defense, and under pressure, defender Quinito turned the ball into his own net, sealing the victory for Morocco.
The referee added five minutes of stoppage time, but Morocco comfortably saw out the game. Angola tried to mount a late response but couldn’t create anything significant as the final whistle confirmed a strong start for the Atlas Lions.
Earlier in the day, hosts Kenya had edged DR Congo 1-0 in the opening match of the group. With both Kenya and Morocco winning their first fixtures, the Atlas Lions top Group A on goal difference heading into the second round of matches.
Morocco will next face the hosts Kenya in a top-of-the-table clash on 10th August at Misc, while Angola must regroup quickly for a must-win encounter against Kenya on Thursday, 7th August at Misc, Kasarani.
