Morocco, Gabon, Guinea, Senegal secure 1-0 wins on AFCON second day

Xinhua
11 Jan 2022, 21:30 GMT+10

YAOUNDE, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Striker Sofiane Boufal's goal was enough to help Morocco defeat Ghana in the first Group C match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday evening.

Both heavyweights struggled to create chances in the opening clash, frequently making some good passes before hitting the ball out of play.

The game looked set to end in a goalless draw, but a mix-up in Ghana's defense in the 83rd minute allowed the ball to fall to Boufal, who smashed home from close range.

"The most important thing is that we have achieved our goal. This result motivates us and gives us the confidence to face the next game. We will continue to work and stay focused on our objectives," Boufal said afterwards.

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac said that "it was a difficult game for us. After all, two great teams of African football were on the pitch. Morocco scored from the first opportunity they had. We still have two games to go and we will stay focused on them."

In Group C's other game, a first-half goal by Aaron Salem Boupendza helped Gabon defeat AFCON debutants Comoros.

Friday sees Morocco face Comoros, while Gabon take on Ghana.

Earlier on Monday, Senegal's Sadio Mane scored a 97th-minute penalty to secure a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe in Group B. Elsewhere in the group, left wing-back Issiaga Sylla earned Guinea a 1-0 victory over Malawi.

Group B's next round of matches sees Senegal lock horns with Guinea, while Zimbabwe face Malawi.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Sierra Leone Times.

More Information

28 ℃

Mostly Cloudy in Seletar

Business

Section

Japanese stock markets records major falls

SYDNEY, NSW, Australia - Stocks in Asia were mixed on Wednesday. The biggest move was the Japanese market which saw ...

UK imports to Ireland fell, trade with N. Ireland up due to Brexit

DUBLIN, Ireland: Since Brexit went into effect in 2020, Ireland has witnessed a 20 percent decline in goods exported from ...

At 3.45%, mortgage rates highest in US since pandemic struck

WASHINGTON D.C.: According to a closely watched survey, U.S. mortgage rates have reached levels not seen since March 2020. In ...

U.S. stocks shatter, Nasdaq loses 387 points

NEW YORK, New York - A major rise in U.S. Treasury yields and a sell-off of financial stocks rocked Wall ...

Wild boar found with swine fever in Italy, could close pork industry

PIEDMONT, Italy: Earlier this month, a case of African swine fever, which can be deadly to pigs but harmless to ...

During lockdown, free flowers handed out to mark Tulip Day

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: As stores in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands cautiously reopened after a COVID-19 lockdown, thousands of free bunches ...

Africa

Section