Morocco are the new champions of the African Nations Championship after pummeling Nigeria 4-0 in the final of the 2018 edition in Casablanca Sunday night.
Although the Atlas Lions got their opener late in the first half through Zakaria Hadraf, a numerical advantage following the second booking of Moses Eneji gave the hosts further impetus and they petered goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye’s wall till it fell apart.
The defender had been booked in the first-half and another reckless tackle in the second half saw him get his marching orders.
Thirteen minutes later the goal rain commenced. Walid El Karti (61′), Hadraf (64′), El Kaabi Ayoub (73′) scored his 9th of the competition – after several efforts on the night.
If the Eagles had a chance to score it came through Gabriel Ikechukwu, – with Nigeria still a goal down – but the forward was tripped as he attempted to dink the ball over the on rushing Morocco goalkeeper.
Shouts for a penalty was instantly dismissed by the Referee.
The Eagles had only one shot on target for the duration of the game.
Morocco thus win their first ever CHAN trophy – which has eluded Nigeria the third time of asking.
Ethiopia will host the next edition in 2020.
Line-ups:
Morocco: Zniti, El Yamiq, Boulahroud/60’ Barrahma, Hadraf/72’ Hammoudan, Saidi, El Kaabi/82’ Nahnah, El Karti, Haddad, Banoun, Nahiri, Jbira
Nigeria: Ajiboye, Okoro, Atuloma, Orji, Eze, Ogbugh/53’ Okpotu, Ali/57’ Oladapo, Moses, Udo, Ojo, Okechukwu/78’ Mustapha
Watch full match below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tngCIvrBXmw
