The Atlas Lions of Morocco edged four-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners, Ghana 1-0 at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, courtesy of Sofiane Boufal’s late second-half strike.
It was a cagey first half between the two powerhouses of African football as both sides played out a cautious approach in the first half.
Hoping to record only their second victory in the opening match of a group encounter in the last five AFCON tournaments, Ghana began to build momentum when Paintsil’s goal-bound effort from the edge of the area forced a Yassine Bouno’s spectacular save in the 73rd minute.
Ten minutes later, former Southampton man Boufal converted a rebound past a helpless Wollacott.
Morocco could have scored a second but Ghana goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott saved from close range to keep the score at just 1-0.
The Atlas Lions opened their account with victory in Yaoundé, extending their unbeaten run over 90 minutes to 35 matches in competitive fixtures.
MOLATsportgist 