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Ademola Lookman scored a superb second-half winner as Nigeria earned a 2-1 Group C victory against Tanzania in the pouring rain in Fes, a positive start for the silver medallists from the previous tournament, but one that was not without moments of alarm.
Nigeria were more dominant than the scoreline suggests in terms of possession and chances, but they failed to finish off the contest and were almost made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal.
Nigeria set up camp in the Tanzania half early on and had several chances, including Victor Osimhen rounding goalkeeper Zuberi Foba only to see his effort cleared off the line.
The west African side did not have to wait long for the opener after that, however. Alex Iwobi sent in a cross on 36 minutes that was met by Semi Ajayi on the edge of the six-yard box, and he guided his header home with precision.
Tanzania then had a rare spell of possession that led to an equaliser when Charles M’Mombwa beat the offside trap from Novatus Miroshi’s high and hanging cross and finished on the volley five minutes into the second half. Their joy lasted just two minutes, though as Nigeria went back in front when Lookman twisted his marker around before unleashing a shot from 25 yards that arrowed into the far corner of the net.
Tanzania rallied late on in search of an equaliser and a stretching Kelvin John was inches away from a touch that would have sent the ball into an empty net, before Ibrahim Hamad fired wildly over the bar from close range.
In Tangier, Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Senegal got their campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable 3-0 Group D victory against Botswana. Jackson converted Ismail Jakobs’s low cross to give his side the lead after 40 minutes as they broke the resistance of a stubborn Botswana, before showing quick feet from Ismaïla Sarr’s pass to finish from close range just before the hour mark.
Senegal, who won the 2021 edition and are among the favourites again, overwhelmed their opponents with waves of attacks and added a third late on from Cherif Ndiaye, one of 28 efforts on the Botswana goal. Senegal head Group D on goal difference from the Democratic Republic of Congo after the opening round of games.
DR Congo enjoyed a dominant performance against Benin, although they only won 1-0.
Théo Bongonda scored in the 16th minute, letting a long pass from defence bounce and reacting quickest as the Benin defence hesitated to volley the ball into the net. He might have had a second 13 minutes later, side-footing towards the corner of the net but seeing his goalbound effort blocked by the defender Olivier Verdon.
The Congolese, twice continental champions, did have the ball in the net again two minutes into the second half as Cédric Bakambu easily headed home a pinpoint cross from Nathanaël Mbuku, but after a lengthy video assistant referee check, it was ruled offside.
This story will be updated …
