Updated
Morocco scores first win in 2014 World Cup qualifying, 2-1 victory over Tanzania
The Atlas Lions started strongly, scoring their first goal in the 39th minute on a penalty kick by Abderrazak Hamdallah. Youssef El Arabi made it 2-0 on a brilliant goal in the 51st minute. Football 411
*Click here for Video Highlights of Morocco vs. Tanzania*
Football 411 (Marrakech, Morocco, June 9, 2013) — Morocco claimed the first win of their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.
The Atlas Lions started strongly and got their breakthrough in the 39th minute when Aggrey Morris was sent off for a rash challenge in the area.
Abderrazak Hamdallah coolly slotted home the spot kick to give the hosts the lead going into the half-time break.
After the break, Morocco sought to extend their lead even further, and they did just that in the 51st minute.
Youssef El Arabi made use of some clever footwork to beat his man and duly stuck the ball into the back of the net to double the lead.
However, the Taifa Stars weren’t going down without a fight and a magnificent Amiri Kiemba strike from outside the box in the 61st minute made for a nervy end to the game.
Mbwana Samatta had a terrific chance to equalise late on, but his effort went fizzing wide of the upright.
The loss leaves Tanzania in second place in the group with six points, four behind Group C leaders Ivory Coast, while Morocco move onto five points in third place.
The Atlas Lions next welcome bottom-placed Gambia to Marrakech on Saturday, while Tanzania host the Ivorians in Dar-es-Salaam.
