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Morocco kicked off their quest for a third TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in style with a dominant 2-0 win over Angola in the Group A opener at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
A brilliant first-half strike from Imad Riahi and a late own goal by Angolan defender Kinito sealed the points for the Atlas Lions, who extended their unbeaten run in CHAN to 14 matches.
With a revamped squad and high expectations, the two-time champions (2018, 2020) wasted no time imposing themselves on the match. Head coach Tarik Sektioui’s side dictated the tempo from the outset, with captain Mohamed Hrimat marshalling the midfield and defence with authority.
After a few early chances, the breakthrough came in the 29th minute. Hrimat delivered a precise through ball to Riahi, who unleashed a stunning right-footed strike from outside the box that flew past Angolan goalkeeper Neblú and into the back of the net.
Morocco continued to threaten before the break, with Anas Bach and Marouane Louadni also testing Neblú in a flurry of attacks. Angola, meanwhile, looked to respond through Jó Paciência and Aguinaldo Matias but were denied by Moroccan goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar.
In the second half, Angola made several attacking substitutions in an attempt to find a way back, but Morocco remained disciplined and defensively solid.
The North Africans doubled their lead in the 81st minute after substitute Youness El Kaabi’s low shot was parried by Neblú into the path of Kinito, who turned the ball into his own net under pressure.
Despite a late long-range effort from Angola’s Mafuta, the Atlas Lions comfortably saw out the match to secure all three points and a clean sheet.
The victory places Morocco at the top of Group A on goal difference, tied with tournament co-hosts Kenya who defeated DR Congo 1-0 in the other group fixture, thanks to a first-half stoppage-time goal from midfielder Allan Odhiambo.
Angola, now winless in their last five CHAN matches, face an uphill task in the group.
