
Morocco s head coach Walid Regragui gestures during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group F football match between Morocco and Tanzania at Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro on January 17, 2024. CAF
"First matches are always challenging, and the high humidity added to the difficulty, but we showed great respect for Tanzania," Regragui stated after the game.
In the first half, captain Romain Saiss found the back of the net, and with Tanzania reduced to ten men after Novatus Miroshi's dismissal, Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nesyri added to the tally for the Atlas Lions.
"The team displayed excellent spirit, and secured this important victory," added the Morocco coach.
"Our intention was to score early, and although we had opportunities, the goal eventually came from a set piece. Once we scored, the hardest part was behind us," Regragui explained.
The anticipated triumph over Tanzania, considered outsiders in Group F, took place in the southwest of the Ivory Coast.
Morocco's global ranking of 13th places them 108 positions above the Taifa Stars.
"In the second half, we strategically accepted periods of not having possession and managed the game like a top-tier team."
Regragui also believes that Morocco gained an advantage by playing after other teams in the tournament.
"Observing the initial matches of other teams allowed us to avoid making the same mistakes. We noticed that many sides experienced a decline in physicality during the second half, so we prepared to maintain our freshness," he elaborated.
Leading Group F with three points, the Atlas Lions will face DR Congo on 21 January in their second-round match, followed by their final group stage fixture against Zambia three days later.
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