Morocco narrowly defeated Ghana in their Africa Cup of Nations opening thanks to Sofiane Boufal’s 82nd-minute goal.
The former Southampton winger seized on a loose ball and smashed a shot into the far corner.
In an otherwise unremarkable game in Yaounde, four-time champions Ghana frustrated their opponents with a rare moment of excellence.
Morocco was unfazed in the latter moments, coasting to victory.
The North Africans came into the game having won all six of their World Cup qualifiers the previous year, but they had to earn their three points.
In a tense first half, Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Romain Saiss had gone close for the Atlas Lions, heading narrowly off goal.
For all of Morocco’s possession, Vahid Halilhodzic’s team were nearly down in the 73rd minute when keeper Yassine Bounou brilliantly stopped Joseph Paintsil’s curler.
Black Stars captain Andre Ayew also came close with a looping volley, only for Angers’ Boufal to score the game-winner minutes later at the other end.
Morocco nearly doubled their lead in the final moments after grabbing the lead, with Samy Mmaee heading a set-piece narrowly wide.
On Friday (16:00 GMT), Morocco takes on debutants Comoros, before Ghana takes on Gabon (19:00 GMT).
