RABAT, Dec 30 (Reuters) - A ‌convincing 3-0 victory over Zambia on Monday for the Africa Cup of Nations hosts lifted ‌the mood in Morocco as coach Walid Regragui put criticism of his team’s start ‌to the tournament down to the passion of the fans.

Morocco are strong favourites to win the tournament on home soil but started their campaign looking like a team weighed down by the burden of expectation.