The Black Stars were pipped by Morocco in the first game of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday
Morocco defeated Ghana 1-0 in opening Group C game of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon on Monday.
A late goal by Soufiane Boufal was enough to break the hearts of the Ghanaians who were hoping to at least savage a point.
Milovan Rajevac started the game with Jojo Wollacot in post, while Andy Yiadom, Baba Rahman, Daniel Amartey and Alexander Djiku completed the defensive setup.
In midfield, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and Real Mallorca youngster Baba Iddrisu started while Joseph Paintsil and Kamaldeen Sulemana started on the wings.
Jordan Ayew and skipper Andre Ayew started upfront with the hopes of banging in the goals.
Andre Ayew combined with Joseph Paintsil to set up Jordan Ayew by the eleventh minute but the Crystal Palace striker fluffed the opportunity to the dismay of his coaches.
Paintsil saw his curling effort from long range wonderfully saved by Algerian goalkeeper by the 67th minute. The resulting corner kick was wasted as Ghana continued to press for the opening goal.
Six minutes later, Andre Ayew and Saiss clashed heads following a cross by Partey and that led to serious head injury. Although, the technical team wanted to substitute him, Ayew opted to continue.
Morocco took the lead very late in the game after Boufal capitalised on a Thomas Partey’s mistake to put the Lions ahead with a powerful shot.
Although, Ghana made four late chances by bringing on Fatawu Issahaku, Benjamin Tetteh, Kofi Kyereh and Boakye Yiadom, it was too little too late to snatch an equaliser.
The Black Stars will play Gabon in the next game of the group on Thursday before they square it off with Comoros in the last game of the group on Sunday.
