CHAN 2020: Defending Champions Morocco Start Title Defence With A Win

Morocco started their title defence for of the African Nations Championship with a narrow 1-0 over debutants Togo at Stade de La Reunification on Monday.

After dominating the opening stages, the Atlas Lions had an excellent chance to take the lead in the 10^th minute when the ball fell to unmarked Soufiane Rahimi in the box.

He could only manage to blast his effort over the crossbar when a little composure would have surely seen Morocco take the lead.

Soon after, another chance fell to Marouf Tchakei as he latched onto the ball that bounced off a Togolese defender.

Under pressure, however, he could only shoot wide of the right-hand upright.

The continued dominance finally resulted in a penalty when a Togolese defender brought down Yahya Jabrane inside the box. The forward rose up and coolly slotted in from the spot.

Togo took control of the match after the half-hour mark and they began creating goal-scoring opportunities as they looked to restore parity.

Ashraf Agoro’s headed effort narrowly missed the target, before Labri Nanji blocked Yendotie Nane’s goal-bound shot to ensure that the first-half ended with Sundowns leading 1-0.

Morocco continued to attack in search of more goals after the restart with Jabarne looking to complete his brace.

The former Difaa Al-Fujairah player was sent through on goal by Ayoub El Kaabi , but he was well denied by the experienced Moubarak Aigba.

Marouf Tchakei should have netted an equalizer in the 76th minute but the winger failed to beat the on-rushing Anas Zinti from close range.

Togo  piled on the pressure in the closing stages but Houcine Ammouta’s side managed to hold on claim the three points in Group C of the competition.