Morocco raised the curtain on Group C of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021 on Monday with a 1-0 win over Ghana at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo,Yaoundé

Sofiane Boufal was the hero for the game as the Atlas Lions sealed a memorable three points against the Black stars of Ghana.

The North Africans have consequently taken an early lead on the table, ahead of the second group tie between Comoros and Gabon.

Having joined camp late on Saturday, Kamaldeen Sulemana’s presence in the starting XI was the biggest surprise as Ghana named their side for Monday’s showdown.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey led Ghana’s midfield while Genk forward Joseph Paintsil started on the left-wing.

Without key strikers Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi, Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic handed a starting berth to AZ Alkmaar youngster Zakaria Aboukhlal as lead marksman.

Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi unsurprisingly started at right-back for The Atlas Lions.

In what was a slow start to the game, Aboukhlal registered the first shot on target in the 14th minute after latching onto a misplaced Partey pass to fire a shot into the arms of goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott.

In the 33rd minute, Partey drove a free-kick over the bar after Jordan Ayew was fouled outside the box.

Five minutes to half-time at the other end, Romain Saiss headed a free-kick over the bar.

The lack of clear openings continued even after the recess, leaving the goalkeepers with little to do.

On 65th minutes, Andre Ayew connected with a Baba Rahman delivery into the box but his volley flew high off-target.

In the 72nd minute, Ghana almost broke the deadlock when Paintsil released a curling shot towards the far right corner but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou did well to tip the shot away.

When Morocco put a shot on target in the second half, it ended up at the back of the net as Sofiane Boufal capitalized on a loose ball inside the box to fire past Wollacot eight minutes to full time.

The Black stars will need to win their next game to stay in contention for the knockout phase. They face a difficult test against Gabon next whiles Morocco will play Comoros.