The 2024 African Nations Championship began with a statement as Morocco dispatched Angola 2-0 in a riveting Group A opener at Nyayo National Stadium. It wasn’t just a display of technical prowess but a performance brimming with intent, as the Atlas Lions marked their championship credentials amidst the buzz of Nairobi’s football faithful.
A night of high stakes and higher ambitions
For Morocco, history beckons yet again. Sitting atop African football with joint-record CHAN titles, they arrived in Nairobi hungry to claim a third crown and cement their legacy in this eighth edition of the continental tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Angola, eager for a maiden triumph in their fifth appearance, found themselves up against not just the weight of Morocco’s pedigree but the palpable spirit of a team with unfinished business.
Imad Riahi sets the tone
Right from kickoff, Morocco dictated the rhythm, weaving their well-drilled patterns and pinning back the Black Sable Antelopes. Goalkeeper Adilson Cipriano, Angola’s captain, was pressed into action early, palming away a fierce Youssef Belammari strike. The North Africans’ possession and pressure built steadily, with Mohamed Moufid’s darting runs and Ayoub Mouloua’s attempts highlighting their threat.
It was in the 29th minute that the balance tipped. Imad Riahi, thriving in the heart of Morocco’s attack, latched onto a deft through ball from Mohamed Hrimat. His finish was as composed as it was clinical, slotting past Cipriano and sending the travelling Moroccan fans—small in number but fierce in voice—into jubilation. This opening goal underscored Morocco’s growing momentum and Angola found themselves chasing shadows as Morocco’s confidence grew.
Angola’s resistance and missed chances
It would be unjust to label this match one-sided. After the break, the Angolans returned with purpose, pressing higher and seeking cracks in Morocco’s disciplined defense. Joaquim Paciencia and Eddie Afonso came closest, with Paciencia heading wide from a promising position and Afonso flashing an effort agonizingly past the post. Deivi Vieira’s long-range drive in the 72nd minute also tested the nerves of the Atlas Lions’ backline, but Morocco’s keeper, Elmehdi Al Harrar, stood inexpugnable with a foot save that kept his team’s lead intact.
Despite their intensity—these were moments when the match felt delicately poised—Angola simply could not find the composure needed in the final third. Their youthful exuberance needed a lethal edge, and without goals, spells of dominance faded into frustration.
Louadni’s towering finish seals it
As Angola pushed forward, risks left them exposed at the back. Morocco sensed their opportunity to kill the contest. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi nearly did with a thunderbolt from range, but Cipriano’s acrobatics denied what would have been a stunning solo effort. The subsequent corner proved pivotal.
In the 81st minute, Youssef Belammari whipped in a Beckham-esque delivery. Marouane Louadni, Morocco’s commanding centre-back, soared above the Angolan defense to plant a bullet header past Cipriano. This second goal, later credited by some as an own goal by Angola’s Joaquim Marcos Cunga Balanga, effectively extinguished the Sable Antelopes’ hopes and confirmed Morocco’s grip atop Group A with a +2 goal difference.
Key individual battles and tactical insights
Much of Morocco’s success stemmed from their control in midfield, where Mohamed Hrimat, named man-of-the-match, orchestrated transitions and dictated tempo. Angola’s captain Cipriano was constantly called into action and, but for his interventions, the scoreline could have been more lopsided. The defensive cohesion of Louadni and Ait Khalid ensured that even when Morocco retreated under pressure, their lines were never truly breached.
For Angola, Victor Nanque’s runs and Joao Muanha’s flashes of invention offered glimpses of danger, but tactical missteps and Morocco’s experience minimized their impact thoroughly.
Atmosphere and significance at Nyayo Stadium
This clash was more than just an opener—it carried the weight of anticipation, coming under the Nyayo lights for the first time in 13 years for a CHAN match. The energy in the stadium, with Morocco’s fans bringing color and noise, mirrored the sense of an occasion. As the Atlas Lions celebrated at the final whistle, one could sense the message being sent to the rest of the field, especially to hosts Kenya and Group A rivals aspiring to challenge for the summit.
What next for Group A?
- Morocco sit atop Group A, level on points with Kenya but ahead on goal difference,
- Angola, with much to ponder, will aim to bounce back against the Harambee Stars on Thursday at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani,
- The stakes only intensify as Zambia and other pool members look to seize their own opportunities.
Legacy, pressure and the road ahead
For Morocco, this victory was more than just three points—it was a statement of purpose, a performance laced with maturity and hunger for history. The Atlas Lions’ pedigree, built by titles in 2018 and 2020, now faces the ultimate test as pressure mounts with each passing fixture. Their blend of youth and experience, guided by coach Tarek Sektioui, positions them as the team to beat as group play continues.
Angola must draw lessons quickly. Their resilience and attacking intent were visible, but execution was found wanting in decisive moments. With Portuguese coach Pedro Goncalves at the helm, recalibrations in attack and defense are now paramount if the Sable Antelopes are to mount a serious challenge for progression.
