Riahi Opens the Scoring With a Screamer

Morocco started their Group A campaign at the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a solid 2-0 win against Angola at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

A brilliant long-range strike by Imad Riahi in the first half set the tone, while a second-half own goal by Kinito sealed the win. The Atlas Lions dominated the match from the beginning, living up to their status as two-time CHAN champions (2018 and 2020).

Head coach Tarik Sektioui emphasized the importance of a strong start, and his players responded accordingly. In the 29th minute, a perfect through ball from Mohamed Hrimat found Riahi, who launched a powerful right-footed shot past Angola keeper Neblú.

Before the break, Anas Bach, Marouane Louadni, and Riahi kept the pressure on with several attempts, forcing more saves from Neblú. Despite a few promising moments from Jó Paciência and Aguinaldo Matias, Morocco maintained control.

Late Own Goal Seals the Atlas Lions' Victory

In the second half, Angola introduced fresh legs but couldn’t shift the momentum. The second goal came in the 81st minute after substitute Youness El Kaabi fired a shot that was deflected into the net by Kinito.

Captain Hrimat led the defense with composure as Morocco closed out the game to stretch their unbeaten group stage streak at CHAN to 14 matches.

While Morocco prepares to face co-hosts Kenya, Angola — winless in five CHAN matches — must recover quickly ahead of their meeting with Zambia.