Ghana made a poor start to their 2021 African Cup of Nations campaign after conceding a late goal to lose 1-0 against Morocco on Monday, January 10, 2022.
The game was played at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde in Cameroon.
Morocco’s Sofiane Boufal seized on a loose ball before driving it into the far corner to score seven minutes to end of game and secure a 1-0 win over Black Stars in their opening Group C match in the ongoing prestigious tournament.
The goal came from a rare chance in a game where both sides showed defensive prowess but did little to impress in attack.
Vahid Halilhodzic’s side came close to double their lead in the closing stages of the game with a header from Samy Mmaee through a set-piece but was just wide.
Before that, the impressive Joseph Paintsil came very close to giving Ghana the lead with a perfect curler but was stopped by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The results gives the Moroccans some hopes going into the tournament as they look to end their 46 year long wait for success in the continental championship.
Morocco has now beaten Ghana twice in a row having won by same scoreline in an international friendly match in 2021.
Ghana now plays Gabon in their next game and must win at all cost to stand a chance of qualifying to the stage of the ongoing 33rd edition of the AFCON while Morocco plays Comoros.
