AFCON 2021: Morocco vs Ghana player ratings

Izuchukwu Akawor 20:50 - 10 January 2022

Morocco midfielder Sofiane Boufal (R) celebrates scoring the only goal of an Africa Cup of Nations Group C match against Ghana

Sofiane Boufal was the standout performer as Morocco edged Ghana in Group C

Morocco got their AFCON 2021 off to a winning start after Sofiane Boufal inspired them to a narrow win over Ghana on Monday evening.

Boufal put in a man of the match performance as the Atlas Lion overcame a defiant and blunt Ghana side.

Morocco midfielder Sofiane Boufal (R) celebrates scoring the only goal of an Africa Cup of Nations Group C match against Ghana

The 28-year-old wide playmaker scored the only goal of the game on the 83rd minute to earn Morocco a deserved victory in their tournament opener.

Both countries are two of the pre-tournament contenders and bookies favourites to lift the title.

Morocco captain and defender Romain Saiss (R) and Ghana forward Jordan Ayew fight for the ball

The North Africans dominated their counterparts from Ghana from start to finish but it wasn't a one-sided affair as Ghana'z Joseph Pantsil ensured Morocco's goalkeeper remained alert.

Pantsil was Ghana's most dangerous player on the day alongside fullback, Abdulrahman Baba.

Here is the player ratings for both teams;

Morocco; Yassine Bounou 7, Hakimi 7, Saiss 6.5, Aguerd 6.5, Massina 6. Mmaee 6, Ounahi 6, (90' Amrabat N/A) Amallah 5, Louza 5 ( 78' Tissoudali N/A), Boufal 8, Aboukhlal, 6.5 (90' Rahimi).

Ghana; Wollacott 6, Yiadon, 5, Amartey 6, Djiku 6, Baba 7, Partey 3 (90' Boakye N/A), Idrissu Baba 5, Pantsil 6 (86' Issahaku N/A), Andre Ayew 4, Sulemana 4 (86' Kyereh N/A), Jordan Ayew 4 (86' Tetteh N/A).