The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has kicked off in Morocco, with the host nation starting on a winning note after recording a 2-0 victory over Comoros Island at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco missed a spot kick early in the match after Iyad Mohamed brought down Real Madrid star Brahim DÃaz in the 18-yard box. However, Comoros goalkeeper Yannick denied DÃaz by saving the penalty with his left knee.
Comoros contained the Moroccans, going into the halftime break with the score line level at 0-0. However, in the 55th minute of the second half, the hosts took the lead when DÃaz was left unmarked near the penalty spot and calmly swept home Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross, sending over 60,000 fans into jubilation.
In the 75th minute, substitute Ayoub El Kaabi scored an emphatic overhead kick with a quarter of an hour remaining to seal the victory for the North African side.
Meanwhile, the media reports that the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations champions, Zambia, will today December 22nd, open their Group A campaign against West African nation Mali at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca at 16:00 hours Zambian time with Chipolopolo coach Moses Sichone declaring the team ready for the encounter.
Zambia will be without 2012 AFCON winner Stopilla Sunzu for the Mali clash due to illness.
