By By Eric Kimathi
NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Champions Morocco have stopped Angola 2-0 in the second Group A match at the on-going TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Morocco’s win at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday sent them top of the Group ahead of co-hosts Kenya who had earlier defeated DR Congo 1-0 in an earlier match.
Imad Riaghi gave Morocco the lead after 29 minutes with a long range shot. The Angola team tried to fight back, but failed to penetrate the well organized Morroccan defending line.
Angola were unlucky to concede an own goal through Juaquim Balanga after 81 minutes.
El Mehdi Al Harrar, Morocco’s goalkeeper said they were happy to start the tournament with a win.
In an earlier Group B match played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Harambee Stars defeated DR Congo 1-0. Austin Odhiambo netted the lone goal at the stroke of half time.
Morocco now lead Group B with 3 points and a better goal difference than Kenya who also collected three points.
In Dar es salaam, Madagascar and Mauritania settled for a goalless draw in a Group B match played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Madagascar were reduced to 10-men after skipper Dax was sent-off for a second bookable offence.
Action continues in Group C on Monday when Niger face Guinea, while co-hosts Uganda take on Algeria at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole in Kampala.
Group A
              P  W  D  L GF GA GD Pts
 Morocco         1    1   0   0  2   0   2   3
 Kenya             1    1   0  0   1   0   1   3
 Zambia            0    0   0  0   0   0   0   0
 DR Congo        1   0   0   1  0   0  -1   0
 Angola            1   0    0  1  0   0  -2   0
