The 2013 African Cup of Nations didn't really get going on opening night. The two games produced no goals as the nerves looked to get the better of Group A. The hosts South Africa faced Cape Verde as Angola went on to face Morocco.
The unknown package of Cape Verde had a rather good showing in the first half against South Africa. They had the best chance in the half when Platini was played through, but unlike his UEFA namesake, the striker scuffed his shot wide of the mark. Apart from that, neither team could grab the game by the scruff of the neck and this left the South African crowd very flat.
The changes during the second half made South Africa a little more attacking and arguably the better team as Cape Verde looked to tire. The only problem was South Africa quickly ran out of ideas when their long ball technique failed. As for Cape Verde, they also couldn't find a killer pass in the final third and would be quick to surrender to possession in the midfield. The fans looked more interested in their continuous Mexican wave rather than the underwhelming action on the pitch.
After the first 0-0, this should have given both Angola and Morocco the impetus to take control of the group. Morocco were the better team in the first half without really putting the keeper under any pressure. Oussama Assaidi looked the brightest and continued to find space down the wing. Manucho was Angola's only real attacking option on the pitch but he didn't a shot in anger until the final minute of the half due to the poor service.
Angola were much improved in the second period but Morocco still looked the more threatening. The biggest problem Morocco faced was their own discipline, they continuously fouled throughout the game. This allowed Angola to continue to try and find Manucho with hopeful punts forward.
It could be argued that Morocco missed that spark that perhaps Adel Taarabt would have brought to the table on his day. Angola came on stronger in the final minutes with Manucho having two glorious chances to score, but failed with both of them.
Unfortunately, based on these performances, it wouldn't appear that the overall winner will emerge from this group unless a massive improvement is made. But things will improve and the African Cup of Nations will spark into life.
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