A lackluster Black Stars side lost their opening game in the African Cup of Nations against the Atlas Lions of Morocco on Monday evening at the Amadou Ahidjo Stadium.

Sofiane Boufal was the hero late on as he shot from inside the box into the corner of the net after a defensive collapse as Thomas Partey failed to clear a ball after sliding.

The former Southampton winger pounced on a loose ball inside the Ghana box to score the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute.

There was nothing to separate the two side in the first half as defense shown with very little attacking intent as the game was littered with free kicks from the whistle happy Botswana referee.

Zakaria Aboukhlal sent a hopeful longe range strike into the arms of Ghana goalkeeper Jojo Wollacot in the 12th minute.

Ghana's Thomas Partey also sent a free kick high in the 33rd minute after a foul from the Moroccans as both teams searched for the opener.

On the stroke of half time Ghana's shinning light in attack Joseph Paintsil went on a solo run but shot narrowly wide off the bar.

Ghana's biggest chance came after a move from Andre Ayew ended up with Joseph Paintsil whose curler was heading into the top corner before Yacine Bono tipped wide in the 72nd minute.

The Moroccans had several opportunities from free kicks with Romain Saiss the dangerman but failed to let it count before Boufal's goal late on.

After conceding the goal the Ghana bench reacted with the introduction of three substitutes namely Benjamin Tetteh, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Daniel Kofi Kyereh but the harm was already done as they game ended 1-0 in favour of Morocco.

Ghana will next play against Gabon whiles Morocco will also play against Comoros on Friday 14th January,2022 at 7pm GMT.