Host country, Morocco thrashed the home-based Eagles of Nigeria 4-0 in the final of the African Nations Championship on Sunday, in Casablanca to win the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) title.
A brace from Zakaria Hadraf and a goal each from Walid El Karti and Ayoub El Kaabi, his ninth of the tournament, secured the emphatic win.
Although the Atlas Lions got their opener late in the first half through Zakaria Hadraf (41′), a numerical advantage following the sending off of Moses Eneji, who made his first appearance in the tournament against Morocco, gave the hosts further impetus and they petered Dele Ajiboye’s wall till it fell apart.
The defender had been booked in the first-half and another reckless tackle in the second half saw him get his marching orders.
Thirteen minutes later the goal rain commenced. Walid El Karti (61′), Hadraf (64′), El Kaabi Ayoub (73′) scored his 9th of the competition after several efforts on the night.
If the Eagles had a chance to score it came through Gabriel Ikechukwu, with Nigeria still a goal down but the forward was tripped as he attempted to dink the ball over the on rushing Morocco goalkeeper.
Shouts for a penalty was instantly dismissed by the Referee.
The Eagles had only one shot on target for the duration of the game.
Morocco thus won their first ever CHAN trophy which has eluded Nigeria the third time of asking.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
