#AFCON2023: 10-man Taifa defeated by Morocco

SAN PEDRO, IVORY COAST: A 10-man Taifa Stars have launched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) mission on back-pedal after a 3-0 defeat from Morocco.

The game at Stade de San Pedro in Ivory Coast Wednesday was the opening clash of group F.

After a confident start by the country’s envoys, momentum dropped midway in the first half gifting their opponents a leading.

Romain Saiss made the breakthrough for Morocco in the 30th minute before two quick second half goals by Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nesyri.

However, in the 70th minute, Stars were reduced to 10 men as full-back Novatus Dismas was shown marching orders after picking a second yellow card.

The envoys had to deal with the remaining game time minus one player on the pitch as the clock ticked.

Up next, Stars face Zambia on Sunday before finishing their group stage campaign against DR Congo on January 24th.