For the last quarter-final of the Arab Cup, the clash between Morocco and Algeria has kept all its promises. 1-1 in regular time, 2-2 after 30 minutes of extra time, then 5-3 on penalties for the Fennecs. The Algerians face Qatar on Wednesday for a place in the final.
It was the match not to be missed! Morocco faced Algeria on Saturday for the final quarter-final of the Arab Cup. A meeting between two selections far from being without interest. And from the start, the intensity and the pace were there. But not the goals. At least for now …
After the first 45 minutes, both teams returned to the locker room 0-0, so the best was yet to come. Algeria attacked very hard from the start of the second half. A spirit that paid off with a penalty obtained on time. Brahimi was quick to transform him and give the advantage to the Fennecs (1-0, 62 ‘). A very ephemeral advance.
Belaili dazzles the Qatari night
Affected by this opening scoring, the Atlas Lions would react immediately. Nahiri, alone in the box, adjusted his head on an indirect free kick to put Morocco back in the game (1-1, 64 ‘). Not much to eat afterwards. Head for the extension.
And once again in this match, Algeria will take the lead. And how… ! An incredible inspiration from Belaili, as difficult as it was successful: a control sequence strikes more than 40 meters from the goal to surprise and lob Zniti, the Moroccan goalkeeper. (2-1, 102 ‘). But as in regulation time, Morocco will not let go and get back on the line by equalizing through Benoun (2-2, 111 ‘).
It was therefore on penalties that this meeting was going to be played out. An exercise perfectly mastered by the Algerians who scored 5/5 with the victorious shot from Tougai, the defender scorer against Egypt a few days earlier. Algeria continues its journey despite the bravery of Morocco. Next meeting Wednesday against Qatar for a place in the final.
