Ahmed Eltigani
Defending Arab Cup champions Morocco held a masterclass
this evening at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakra against Palestine, ending the
fixture 4-0 in favor of Morocco.
Palestine’s defensive style of play was apparent in the
Group C match, but ultimately their defensive efforts weren’t sufficient enough
to stop the goal-fest that unfolded tonight.
The reigning
champions opened the scorecard with a screamer from Mohamed Nahiri, who curled
his strike near post to beat the keeper and bring his team up 1-0 in the 31st
minute. The first half remained hopeful for the Palestinian side with a chance
to equalize but to no avail, allowing the Moroccans to regroup and come out in
the second half with a spectacular brace from Abdelilah El Hafidi in the 55th
and 64th minutes.
The final goal came by way of penalty from Al Ahly’s Badr
Bannon to close off the match in the 87th minute.
Morocco are set to
face off against Jordan in their next Group C match on the 4th of
December at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, while Palestine take on Arab giants
Saudi Arabia at the Education City Stadium the same day.