Morocco began their quest for a third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title with a 2-0 victory over Angola in the Group A opener at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday 3rd August 2025.
Goals from Imad Riahi in the first half and a second-half own goal from Angola’s Kinito sealed a deserved win for the Atlas Lions who dominated for the better part of the day.
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Morocco came into the match looking to extend their 13-match unbeaten run in the competition and wasted no time in dictating play. They broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when a precise through ball from Mohamed Hrimat found Riahi, who made no mistake from outside the box, unleashing a powerful right-footed effort that beat Angolan goalkeeper Neblú at the centre of the goal.
The Atlas Lions continued to press for a second with Riahi, Anas Bach, and Marouane Louadni all forcing fine saves from Neblú in a flurry of attacks before the break.
Angola, who had never won an opening match in four previous CHAN appearances, responded with moments of danger, particularly through Jó Paciência and Aguinaldo Matias, but Morocco’s goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar stood firm.
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Angola made several changes to inject life into their attack, but it was Morocco who doubled their advantage in the 81st minute. Substitute Youness El Kaabi, making an instant impact, broke free down the left and saw his shot parried by Neblú into the path of Kinito, who inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net under pressure.
The win sees Morocco go top of Group A after Match Day One with a better goal difference after Kenya also beat DR Congo in an earlier game on the same day.
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