Chan: Hosts Morocco Defeat Nigeria 4-0 In Final

Hosts of the 2018 CHAN tournament Morocco defeated West African soccer giants Nigeria 4-0 in the final on Sunday. The North African entered the fixture as favourites but not many would have predicted that heavy score line as it was the final. Zakaria Hadraf inspired the hosts to victory with his brace while Walid El Karti and Qyoud El Kaabi added a goal apiece.

The super Eagles were no match for their rival and they worsened their case when Moses Eneji was sent off. They barely created chances with the major one being that of Gabriel Okechukwu in the 26th minute. The local based talent fired his effort past Morocco goalkeeper Anas Zniti but Salaheddine Saidi’s clearance was timely.

The Nigerian goalie Dele Ajiboye, who was the hero in the semi final, denied Walid El Karti until the forward scored few seconds to halftime. The skipper Badr Benoun combined with Abdel Jalil to set up Hadraf for his goal.

Ismael Haddad sent his effort in the 61st minute but Ajiboye parried and allowed El Karti to score. Hadraf grabbed his brace before Kaabi made it four nine minutes later.

Nigeria would have to wait longer for their first CHAN title. They have won third place before so this is an improvement as they are now runners-up. Morocco were simply the better side aside having the home fans to their advantage. Morocco have been impressive all through the competition unlike their opponents that managed to scrape through until the finale.