AFCON 2021: Morocco 1-0 Ghana – Boufal Nets In Underwhelming Tie

Morocco defeated Ghana 1-0 in their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon on Monday, a game many expected to be action packed but was largely underwhelming.

Sofiane Boufal’s late strike was the only goal between the sides notching maximum points for The Atlas Lions in the Group C fixture at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde.

Termed the “clash of titans” prior to kick-off, many expected a blockbuster event given how highly ranked both teams are.

Both teams are amongst the top 10 nations in the continent with Morocco ranked second and Ghana eighth in Africa.

However, it was not the match-up many expected as a lack of clear chances plagued the match and neither side showed quality to justify the “championship favourites” tag.

Morocco were without some notable players like Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech and Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri with the former not called up at all due to an altercation with the coach and the latter having injury issues.

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Despite the absentees, there were many players of quality on show. Morocco started against Ghana with three Premier League players — captain Romain Saiss from Wolves and Watford duo Adam Masina and Imran Louza.

Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi was also in the starting XI for Morocco against the Black Stars.

Ghana also fielded six England-based starters, including Leicester’s Daniel Amartey, Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew and Arsenal’s Thomas Partey who are from Premier League clubs.

It was a cagy game with half chances littered at both sides and neither really testing the other’s goalkeeper.

However, in the 83rd minute, the deadlock was finally broken by Boufal who profited from some bad defending latching on to a lose ball in the box and slotting it past  Ghanaian goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott.

The win puts the Atlas Lions at the top of group C and condemns the Black Stars to the bottom.

Morocco will face Comoros next while Ghana will face Gabon with both matches holding on January 14th.

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