RABAT, Jan 10: Morocco delivered coach Mohamed Fakhir a 3-0 debut win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly in Rabat on Monday night.

Fakhir was appointed to the post at the start of the month after the surprise departure of Frenchman Philippe Troussier, taking the reins just three weeks before the African Nations Cup finals.

Morocco have a tough opening round group featuring hosts Egypt, Libya and World Cup finalists the Ivory Coast.

Marouane Chamakh’s 32nd minute goal gave Morocco a 1-0 lead at half-time, before strikers Hicham Aboucherouane and Mohamed Armoumen staked their claims for regular places in the squad with a goal apiece.

Morocco are expected to announce their 23-man squad for the Nations Cup on Tuesday.

Morocco had appointed Troussier in November to rebuild the national side after narrowly missing out on qualification for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

However, the Frenchman lasted just two months in the job before departing in a move that saw several key officials of the Moroccan football federation also resign.

Morocco are scheduled to play two more friendlies against Zimbabwe and Angola in Marrakesh on Jan 14 and 17, the Moroccan federation announced.

Monday’s match also served as a Nations Cup warm-up for the Congolese, who are grouped with Angola, Cameroon and Togo.

The tournament starts on Jan 20.