CHAN 2018: Libya open with 3-0 win over Equatorial Guinea

Morocco is hosting the 2018 African Nations Championship with matches in Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier and Agadir.

Former winners Libya opened their 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 3-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in Group C in Tangier.

In Group C's late game, Nigeria and Rwanda drew 0-0 despite the West Africans dominating the match.

The Nigerians hit the woodwork three times - through Sunday Faleye, Rabiu Ali and Stephen Eze - in Tangier's cold and windy Ibn Batouta stadium.

The draw leaves both sides two points behind Libya, who had eased to victory.

In the first match of the day, Libya found their rhythm first as Saleh Taher scored the opener when nudging the ball between the legs of a hesitant Cambio in the Equatorial Guinea goal.

Mohamed Aleyat, who set up all three goals, combined with Taher again five minutes later to make it 2-0 as he headed home when unmarked in the area.

Libya took control for a short spell afterwards and looked most likely to score again but as Equatorial Guinea tried to push forward, the Libyans were disrupted and the first period ended with no further clear chances.

In the second half, Libya continued to put the better moves together, albeit without being dangerous, while Equatorial Guinea lacked the pace to make the most of their possession.

The game was put beyond doubt in the 87th minute when Zakaria Alharash swept onto a ball in the six-yard area and fired into an empty net.

It could have been worse with Libya hitting the post in the 90th minute through Abdelsalam Alaqoub.

Next up for Libya is Nigeria on Friday, when Equatorial Guinea will play Rwanda.