Neighbors Tanzania were handed a rude start to their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign after being thrashed 3-0 by favourites Morocco in San Pedro on Wednesday night.
Goals from Roman Saiss, Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nessyri put the Taifa Stars to the sword, in a game they finished with 10-men after Novatus Miroshi was sent off in the second half.
The Atlas Lions took the lead on the half hour when Saiss pounced after Hakim Ziyech’s swerving free-kick was palmed back into danger.
Tanzania had Miroshi sent off with 20 minutes left and Azzedine Ounahi’s slick finish doubled the lead.
Youssef En-Nesyri converted Achraf Hakimi’s cross to round off victory.
Morocco won their sole continental title in 1976 but are firmly among the expected challengers for the trophy in Ivory Coast following their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup.