January 11, (THEWILL) – Morocco defeated the Black Stars for the second consecutive time, with Sofiane Boufal scoring the game’s only goal in the 83rd minute, when he pounced on a stray ball and slammed his shot into the far corner.
Prior to then, Ghana’s Joseph Paintsil came within inches of taking the lead with a superb attempt from the edge of the box.
The North Africans came into the game having won all six of their World Cup qualifiers the previous year, but they were made to earn their first three points at the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a tense first half, Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Romain Saiss had gone close for the Atlas Lions, heading narrowly off goal. That missed opportunity, among others, ensured both sides went into the break with the game in a deadlock but with Morocco creating more.
With all of Morocco’s possession in the second period, Vahid Halilhodzic’s side was nearly behind in the 73rd minute but for goalie Yassine Bounou, who brilliantly blocked Joseph Paintsil’s curler.
Black Stars captain Andre Ayew also came close with a looping volley but just when the tie looked headed to a goalless draw, Angers’ Boufal scored the game-winner minutes later at the other end.
Morocco nearly doubled their lead in the final moments, with Samy Mmaee heading a set-piece narrowly wide.
The lone goal was enough to see Morocco make it two wins in a row against the Black Stars, having won a friendly encounter by a similar scoreline last year.
Ghana’s next match is against Gabon, which the Black Stars must win to advance to the next round in Cameroon.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
