Morocco Snatch Narrow Victory against Namibia

Morocco secured their first Africa Cup of Nations victory as they pulled off a narrow win over Namibia in Group D at Al Salam Stadium.

Namibia's player Itamunua Keimuine scored an own goal to give the Atlas Lions their first three points in the AFCON.

https://twitter.com/beINSPORTS_MENA/status/1142829752476061697

This win put Morocco on top of Group D, which also contains Ivory coast and South Africa. Those two sides face each other at the same ground on Monday, June 24 at (16:30 CLT).

First half

After only four minutes, Manfred Starke, Namibia midfielder, won a free kick in the attacking half, but Brave Warriors' player did not make use of this chance.

Eleven minutes later, Youssef En-Nesyri, Morocco's forward won a free kick on the left wing, but Atlas Lions' players did not exploit the free kick.

In the 17 mins, Namibia made another attempt towards Morocco's goalkeeper Yasin Puno, when Ketjijere right footed shot from outside the box.

Six mins later, Ajax's midfielder Hakim Ziyech right footed shot towards Namibia's goal from outside the box.

In the 37 mins, Namibia's goalkeeper brought into the game after he saved a shot from Ziyech

Second half

After only two mins of the second half, Atlas Lions started the second half so fiercely as early as after only six minutes when Morocco's Midfielder Nordin Amrabat right footed shot which was kept away by Namibia's goalkeeper Kazapua.

Two mins later, Kazapua was brought into action again after Morocco's forward Ziyech left footed shot from outside the box.

In the 58 mins, Hervé Renard, Atlas Lions' head coach responded by bringing on Celta Vigo midfielder Sofiane Boufal instead of Mehdi Bourabia in an attempt to take the lead of the game.

In the 64 mins, Namibia coach Ricardo Mannetti made his first substitution; Marcel Papama replacing Manfred Starke.

Four mins later, Atlas Lions missed another attempt through Saïss's header.

In the 70 min, Renard made his second substitution when Karim El Ahmadi replaced Youssef Aït Bennasser.

Two mins later, Namibia's goalkeeper brought again into action by great save to Ziyech's shot.

In the 78 mins, Morocco's coach made his last substitution; Khalid Boutaïb replacing Youssef En-Nesyri.

In the 79 min, Morocco lost another chance to score their first goal after Atlas Lions' Boufal right footed shot from outside the box, which was so close to hit Namibia's net.

Ten mins later, the Lions secured their victory after Namibia's player Itamunua Keimuine scored an own goal.

Atlas Lions' possession of the ball mounted to 67% Vs. 33 percent for Brave Warriors.

Next, Morocco will play Ivory Coast on Friday, June 28 (19:00 CLT), while Namibia will face South Africa later that day (22:00 CLT).

[gallery columns="1" size="large" ids="59473,59478,59479,59480,59477,59476,59475,59474,59472,59471,59470,59469,59444,59467,59468,59443,59441"]