Pre-tournament favourites Morocco began their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a convincing win over 10-man Tanzania in Group F, at the Laurent Pokou Stadium, whilst, later on there, Zambia and DR Congo drew their encounter as the opening round of group games came to a close.
In their match, the Atlas Lions took the lead on the half hour when Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, Romain Saiss (pic), pounced after Hakim Ziyech's swerving free-kick was palmed back into danger. Tanzania had Novatus Miroshi sent off with 20 minutes left and Azzedine Ounahi's slick finish doubled the lead, before Youssef En-Nesyri converted Achraf Hakimi's cross to round off victory.
Morocco won their sole continental title in 1976 but are firmly among the expected challengers for the trophy in Ivory Coast following their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup.
In their match against another former AFCON winner, DR Congo, Kings Kangwa made the most of a defensive mix-up to put Zambia ahead in the 23rd minute, before, just four minutes later, the Leopards were level, thanks to a close-range equaliser from Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.
The Congolese were awarded a second-half penalty for handball, but the decision was overturned after a video review. In this, the final of all the opening group matches, the final score was a somewhat tame 1-1.