Morocco on brink of Afcon qualification after victory over Central African Republic

Morocco beat CAR 2-0

JOHANNESBURG, November 18 (ANA) – Hakim Ziyech was the hero for Morocco in scoring one and creating the another goal as his side beat hosts Central African Republic (Car) 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, in Doula, on Tuesday.

With the win, Morocco moved to 10 points at the top of Group E with two matches remaining. Morocco are five points ahead of second-placed Mauritania, with Burundi on four points. Car occupy bottom spot with three points.

Ziyech struck with his left foot seven minutes before halftime, his freekick from the right curling into the far post.

It was Morocco’s first effort on target with Car having had the other chances at goal in the opening half. In the 10th minute, Foxi Kethevoama had a chance for the hosts, with his shot from a freekick flying straight into the keeper’s arms.

They had another golden opportunity when Kethevoama broke into the box, but took too many touches, the keeper palming the ball off his feet while Donald Benamma’s attempt with the loose ball was blocked.

In the second half, the home side stepped up in attack as they sought to get back on level terms. On the hour mark, Louis Mafouta had a chance with a freekick, but he lifted his effort over.

Five minutes later, Manasse Enza-Yamissi advanced from his left back position to win the ball in a favourable position, but his low shot flew across the face of goal.

They had another opportunity when Ngam Ngam Saint Cyr reeled off a shot from distance, but the effort flew just wide off target.

At the other end, Car dodged a bullet when Youssef En Nesyri’s well-taken low shot was blocked by the keeper.

However, there was no stopping the forward on the stroke of fulltime when he scored the easiest of goals, tapping in from a Ziyech cross to seal the win.- African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman