Morocco Open CHAN 2024 Campaign with Dominant Win Over Angola
The Atlas Lions, who lifted the CHAN trophy in 2018 and 2020, once again proved their pedigree in this tournament that exclusively features players based in domestic leagues. A spectacular long-range strike from Imad Riahi in the first half and a late own goal by Angolan defender Kinito sealed the deserved victory for Morocco.
Two-time champions Morocco kicked off their quest for a historic third TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) title with a confident 2-0 win over Angola in the Group A opener at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The Atlas Lions, who lifted the CHAN trophy in 2018 and 2020, once again proved their pedigree in this tournament that exclusively features players based in domestic leagues. A spectacular long-range strike from Imad Riahi in the first half and a late own goal by Angolan defender Kinito sealed the deserved victory for Morocco.
Led by head coach Tarik Sektioui, Morocco entered the tournament with high expectations and an impressive 13-match unbeaten run in CHAN competitions. They wasted no time imposing their style of play, controlling possession and dictating the tempo from the opening whistle.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute. Midfielder Mohamed Hrimat delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Imad Riahi, who unleashed a thunderous right-footed shot from outside the box. His effort sailed past Angolan goalkeeper Neblú, striking the net with precision to give Morocco a 1-0 lead.
Buoyed by the opener, Morocco piled on the pressure. Riahi, Anas Bach, and Marouane Louadni all tested Neblú with a series of well-coordinated attacks before the halftime break. Angola, however, struggled to maintain defensive discipline and lacked rhythm in midfield.
Angola Fail to Break Opening Match Curse
Angola came into the fixture aiming to change their poor record in CHAN openers, having never won their first match in four previous appearances. Despite the odds, the Palancas Negras showed brief spells of attacking threat, particularly through Jó Paciência and Aguinaldo Matias, but were repeatedly denied by Morocco’s composed goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar.
The Southern Africans failed to capitalize on their chances, and Morocco’s defensive line, led by captain Hrimat, remained unshaken.
The second half saw Angola make several substitutions in an attempt to revitalize their attack, but Morocco remained the more organized and purposeful side. Their second goal arrived in the 81st minute following a swift counterattack.
Substitute Youness El Kaabi made an instant impact after being introduced. He broke down the left flank and fired a powerful shot that Neblú could only parry into the path of Kinito. Under pressure and off-balance, the Angolan defender inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, doubling Morocco's advantage.
Despite a few late efforts by Angola, including a speculative strike from Mafuta, Morocco’s defence held firm to protect their clean sheet and secure all three points.
The win cements Morocco’s place at the top of Group A and sends a strong message to their rivals. With their group stage unbeaten record intact, they now turn their focus to a high-stakes clash against tournament co-hosts Kenya in their next fixture.
Angola, meanwhile, find themselves in a familiar and difficult position. Winless in five CHAN matches, they must quickly regroup ahead of a must-win tie against Zambia if they are to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.
Final Score: Morocco 2 – 0 Angola
Goals: Imad Riahi (29’), Kinito (own goal, 81’)
Key Takeaways:
Morocco extend their unbeaten run in CHAN group stage matches.
Imad Riahi scores a contender for goal of the tournament.
Angola remain without a win in five consecutive CHAN matches.
Morocco to face co-hosts Kenya next; Angola to meet Zambia.
With momentum on their side, Morocco look every bit the contender for CHAN 2024 glory as they chase a record-equalling third title.
