Morocco cruise to victory over 10-man Tanzania

Pre-tournament favourites Morocco began their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a convincing win over 10-man Tanzania in Group F.

The Atlas Lions took the lead on the half hour when Romain Saiss pounced after Hakim Ziyech's swerving free-kick was palmed back into danger.

Tanzania had Novatus Miroshi sent off with 20 minutes left and Azzedine Ounahi's slick finish doubled the lead.

Youssef En-Nesyri converted Achraf Hakimi's cross to round off victory.

Morocco won their sole continental title in 1976 but are firmly among the expected challengers for the trophy in Ivory Coast following their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup.

Their success in Qatar against the likes of Belgium, Spain and Portugal largely came as a counter-attacking outfit and, as Africa's top-ranked side, Walid Regregui's men now need to play on the front foot against lower-ranked opponents.

The Atlas Lions comfortably achieved that in their opener in San Pedro, with goalkeeper Bono largely a spectator.

Ziyech's free-kick provided the chance for captain Saiss to break the deadlock, and the former Chelsea winger had a curling effort parried away before the break.

Tanzania, on their third appearance at the Afcon finals and still awaiting a first victory, struggled for rhythm and their task got harder when Miroshi was dismissed.

He had been booked for bringing down Ounahi just outside the box in the first half, and the Taifa Stars man picked up his second caution for another late sliding challenge on the Morocco midfielder.

The lively Ounahi got on the scoresheet with a controlled finish into the bottom left-hand corner following some slick passing play to help Morocco avoid a potential upset in a tournament which has sprung several surprises in the opening round of games.

Former winners DR Congo and Zambia meet in Group F's other game on Wednesday evening (20:00 GMT), with all four sides back in action again on Sunday.

Dejan Milojevic: Golden State Warriors assistant coach dies aged 46

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic has died at the age of 46 after suffering a heart attack, the NBA team has confirmed.

Serbian Milojevic fell ill at a private team dinner on Tuesday and was taken to hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Warriors said, external that "despite life-saving efforts", Milojevic passed away late on Wednesday morning.

Head coach Steve Kerr said his assistant "brought joy and light to every single day with his passion".

Describing the news as a "shocking and tragic blow", Kerr said Milojevic was "one of the most positive and beautiful human beings" he had ever known.

He added: "We grieve with and for his wife Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa.

"Their loss is unfathomable."

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the Warriors added that they are "absolutely devastated" by Milojevic's sudden passing.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Milojevic was a "beloved colleague and dear friend to so many in the global basketball community."

The former professional player joined Golden State in 2021 and was part of the coaching staff that led the Warriors to the NBA championship in 2022.

Milojevic, who was born in Belgrade, was part of the Serbian international team for 14 years and became assistant coach of the national side in December 2019.

He also had a spell as head coach of KK Buducnost in the Adriatic League in Montenegro before his move to the United States with the Warriors three years ago.

The Warriors were due to play at Utah Jazz on Wednesday, but the NBA postponed the game when the news of Milojevic's medical emergency was released.