and the score could have been wider, that's the biggest surprise. it wasn't a hold up by Namibia, they fully deserved their win. Morocco's starting 11 is out, apparently Atiatallah is injured (and so is Mazraoui) so I think Hakimi will move to the LB and Chibi will start in the RB. Ezzalzouli starting instead of Boufal (back from injury) and Adli whose mother passed away few days ago.
South Africa actually looked decent in their first half. That and the way both Namibia and Mozambique have played, I'm wondering if we see a decent challenge from the South African sides. If we follow this trend I expect Zambia to do well at this afcon. They are traditionally the strongest southern Africa team. They did beat a weakened CIV team 3-0 in qualifying. I think Zambia will be my other dark horse after Mali.
I think starting an older and slower Ziyech on the wings is not the right move in this weather. I thought Adli or Harit would have started, but yeah heard about Adlis mom.
The world cup semifinalists begin their afcon campaign. They have had more success at the past World cup than their last NINE afcons !!!!! The pressure is on !!! I predict Morocco 2 Tanzania 0
Jeez the Tanzanians are just rough. I think we are looking at the worst team in this tournament. My rankings say Mauritania, but I saw much more from Mauritania than Tanzania so far.
Even though Tanzania looks to be the worst team at this tournament, Morocco played well. Doing much better in this weather than I expected.
I think Morocco have a decent chance at the title, (their squad depth will be very key) but there will be much tougher battles ahead. For me it's in this order. 1. CIV 2. Senegal 3. Morocco Hard to see a winner outside of these 3. But this is afcon, most unpredictable international tournament in the world.
Every damn AfCoN is a Giant killing tournament. I don't know what it is about this tournament but underdogs show up fearless!! And favorites play tight.
For now, CIV, Senegal and Morocco has shown they've given the best impression within the competition. I'd not be surprised if they reach the semifinals.
This sounds about right. The question is what will the knock out draw look like and what happens when it's PK time.
Zambia were very dissapointing and DR Congo must be kicking themselves that they didn't win that match.
Halftime Nigeria 0 CIV 0 Nigeria, slightly the better side and looking more likely to score. Osimehn again has missed a good chance.
Fulltime Nigeria 1 CIV 0 A hard fought win, and brilliant defensive performance by Nigeria. CIV did not have one good goal scoring chance all match. Nigeria could have scored more.