AFCON 2021: Black Stars lose to Morocco in Group C opener
The Black Stars began their AFCON 2021 campaign on a very disappointing note in their 1-0 loss to Morocco.
An 83rd-minute Sofiane Boufal goal gave the North African giants an all important win at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.
Milovan Rajevac’s side went head to head with the Moroccans who came into the game as favourites with a form guide of one loss in their last 21 matches in all competitions.
Morocco could have taken the lead in the the first half came from a set-piece when Wolves defender, Romain Saïss headed just wide after connecting to a freekick outside the edge of the box.
The battle of Kamaldeen Sulemana and Achraf Hakimi continued in national colours as Kamaldeen was quite lively earlier in the game, giving PSG’s Achraf Hakimi a few difficult moments.
Rajevac’s side were at the wrong end of the creation of chances, after barely threatening Morocco goalie, Bounou’s goal from a Partey freekick and a Joseph Paintsil weak effort.
In a controversial decision made by the referee, Ghana had a strong penalty opportunity waved away by the referee right before the break when Andre Ayew was brought down in the box.
In the second half, the match between Ghana and Morocco grew in intensity but they continued to struggle to create clear chances to break the deadlock.
Jordan Ayew had a cutback cleared behind for a corner before Andre Ayew volleyed a Baba Rahman cross over the bar.
In what will be Ghana’s best chance of the game, Joseph Paintsil effort from outside the box was magnificently saved by Bounou.
Despite the period of pressure from the Stars, it was Morocco who took the lead through Sofiane Boufal, latching on to a defensive blunder by Thomas Partey and hit it precisely past Joojo Wollacott.
This prompted a triple change from Milovan Rajevac as he brought on Fatawu Issahaku, Benjamin Tetteh and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh.
But it was the Atlas Lions who looked more likely to score again as Saiss headed wide from a free-kick before Wollacott was forced into a brilliant late save.
It was a disappointing start to the competition for the Black Stars who are looking to end a 40-year wait for an AFCON title.
Ghana’s next game is against Gabon on Friday 14 January at 7pm GMT.
