Courtesy: cafonline.com

Morocoo scrape through to reach semis

Morocco survived a late scare from Libya for a 3-2 win in their Group B Day Two clash on Monday at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena in Johannesburg, to confirm their place at the last four.

The Atlas Lions thus becomes the first team to book their place at the medal zone after successive wins over Mozambique and Libya. Morocco leads the pack with six points, two more than Egypt with Libya and Mozambique in that order with one point and zero point respectively.

However, they had to survive a late scare from the Libyans who pulled two goals back in the closing stages after the Moroccans had taken a commanding three goal lead.

After a cautious start by both sides, Morocco broke the deadlock two minutes before the break through Bilal Bakkali following a three man move that involved Soufiane El Mesrar and Saad Knia.

Early in the second half, Libya were dealt a numerical blow after Adham Altoumi was sent off for a second yellow card and the Moroccans will soon capitalise on the weakened strength of the 2008 champions.

Three minutes on, Bakkali completed his brace with a shot from close range before Adil Habil scored the third five minutes later.

With defeat staring at them, the Libyans three caution to the wind by sacrificing goalkeeper Fatih Bin Ali intermittently in their quest to reduce the deficit. It did yield dividends leading to two goals from captain Mohamed Shahout and Rabia Abdelrahim in the dying minutes.

The Libyans kept the Moroccans busy in their search for the equalizer but their efforts were fruitless, as they tasted defeat for the first time at the championship, which leaves their chances of survival hanging by a thread.

Morocco next play Egypt on Wednesday at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena whilst Libya tackles Mozambique at the Wembley Arena.




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