Morocco Beat Angola In First Nyayo Night Match In 13 Years Sending Message To Harambee Stars

Atlas Lions impressed under the Nyayo lights with a dominant display against Angola sending a strong signal to rivals Harambee Stars.

Morocco began their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a confident first-half showing, securing a 2-0 lead over Angola thanks to a clinical strike from Imad Riahi in the 29th minute.

Angola showed early energy, pushing forward with intent and crafting a few threatening attacking movements, though they never seriously tested Moroccan goalkeeper Elmehdi Al Harrar.

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It was Morocco who created the first clear opening in the 20th minute when Mohamed Moufid met a curling cross from Anass El Mahraoui, but his glancing header was easily collected by Adilson Cipriano in the Angola goal.

Ten minutes later, Cipriano was called into action again, making a brilliant reflex save to deny Ayoub Mouloua, who had latched onto a precise pass from Mohamed Hrimat and fired a powerful volley from close range.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute. Morocco capitalized on their growing momentum as Imad Riahi calmly slotted home after an intelligent build-up involving Youssef Belammari and Bouchaib Arrassi, handing the Atlas Lions a deserved lead.

Angola nearly had a chance to level soon after when Victor Nanque burst into the box and went down under contact from Marouane Louadni, but the referee waved away penalty appeals.

Just before halftime, Morocco had a chance to double their lead when Hrimat whipped in a dangerous corner, and Anas Bach rose highest, but his header flew over the bar.

At the break, Morocco looked in control, with a one-goal advantage and growing dominance in midfield. Angola, meanwhile, will need to respond with more composure and creativity in the second half.

After the restart, Morocco quickly took control of possession, clearly showing their intent following a composed halftime talk from coach Hicham Dmii.

However, Angola remained alert and looked to exploit spaces on the counter through the pace of Victor Nanque and the creativity of Joao Muanha.

As the clock ticked past the hour mark at Nyayo National Stadium, the Atlas Lions continued to probe but struggled to unlock Angola’s low block, marshalled well by Antonio Da Silva and Joaquim Balanga.

At the other end, Joaquim Paciencia nearly found a breakthrough after drifting into a promising position near the six-yard box, but his close-range header missed the target — a let-off for the Moroccan defence.

Morocco stayed on the front foot and their persistence paid off in the 81st minute, when Marouane Louadni rose highest to meet a well-placed corner from Youssef Belammari, guiding a powerful header past Adilson Cipriano to double the lead.

Angola attempted a late push with a few set-pieces of their own, including a threatening delivery from Aguinaldo Matias, but Elmehdi Al Harrar remained solid between the posts.

The goals from Imad Riahi in the first half and Louadni in the second made Morocco wrap up a confident opening victory under the Nyayo lights in front of an energetic crowd.

How they linedup:

Angola XI: Adilson Cipriano (GK, C), Antonio Da Silva, Alberto Miguel, Joaquim Balanga, Deivi Vieira, Aguinaldo Matias, Afonso Marques, Joao Muanha, Victor Nanque, Joaquim Paciencia, Eddie Afonso

Morocco XI Elmehdi Al Harrar (GK), Anas Bach, Marouane Louadni, Ait Khalid, Bouchaib Arrassi, Youssef Belammari, Imad Riahi, Ayoub Mouloua, Mohamed Moufid, Mohamed Hrimat (C), Anass El Mahraoui