Morocco top table despite missing penalty

AFP, CASABLANCA: Hosts and title favourites Morocco had a penalty saved as they drew 0-0 with Sudan Sunday to top Group A at the African Nations Championship.

Morocco and Sudan had already qualified, having won their first two group matches in the biennial competition for local-based footballers.

Guinea, who sacked coach Kanfory Lappe Bangoura after being eliminated last Wednesday, came third through a 1-0 win over Mauritania in a match played simultaneously in Marrakech.

Morocco coach Jamal Sellami made 10 changes to the team that started against Guinea four days ago, with five-goal leading scorer Ayoub el Kaabi among those rested.

Achraf Bencharki, a star of the Wydad Casablanca 2017 CAF Champions League-winning team, made his first start after coming off the bench in the previous two matches.

He had the best chance to break the deadlock, but his 50th-minute penalty was brilliantly parried away from danger by Sudan goalkeeper Akram Elhadi Salim.

The Sudanese shot-stopper, who skippered the team until first-choice captain Mohamed Tahir was introduced during the second half, made several other fine saves.

Morocco concentrated on retaining possession in the closing stages, knowing a draw would keep them in first place and that they would remain in Casablanca for the quarter-finals.

The host nation will face the Group B runners-up, probably debutants Namibia, next Saturday a few hours before Sudan tackle the Group B winners, most likely Zambia, in Marrakech.

Namibia and Zambia have qualified from Group B after two wins each and meet in Casablanca Monday to decide who finishes top of the table.

A goal from captain Ibrahim Sory Sankhon on 15 minutes gave Guinea victory over Mauritania in a west African derby where only pride was at stake.

The defeat means the Mauritanians have lost all six matches in two appearances at the Nations Championship.

Morocco top table despite missing penalty

AFP, CASABLANCA: Hosts and title favourites Morocco had a penalty saved as they drew 0-0 with Sudan Sunday to top Group A at the African Nations Championship. Morocco and Sudan had already qualified, having won their first two group matches in the biennial competition for local-based footballers. Guinea, who sacked coach Kanfory Lappe Bangoura after being eliminated last Wednesday, came third through a 1-0 win over Mauritania in a match played simultaneously in Marrakech. Morocco coach Jamal Sellami made 10 changes to the team that started against Guinea four days ago, with five-goal leading scorer Ayoub el Kaabi among those rested. Achraf Bencharki, a star of the Wydad Casablanca 2017 CAF Champions League-winning team, made his first start after coming off the bench in the previous two matches. He had the best chance to break the deadlock, but his 50th-minute penalty was brilliantly parried away from danger by Sudan goalkeeper Akram Elhadi Salim. The Sudanese shot-stopper, who skippered the team until first-choice captain Mohamed Tahir was introduced during the second half, made several other fine saves. Morocco concentrated on retaining possession in the closing stages, knowing a draw would keep them in first place and that they would remain in Casablanca for the quarter-finals. The host nation will face the Group B runners-up, probably debutants Namibia, next Saturday a few hours before Sudan tackle the Group B winners, most likely Zambia, in Marrakech. Namibia and Zambia have qualified from Group B after two wins each and meet in Casablanca Monday to decide who finishes top of the table. A goal from captain Ibrahim Sory Sankhon on 15 minutes gave Guinea victory over Mauritania in a west African derby where only pride was at stake. The defeat means the Mauritanians have lost all six matches in two appearances at the Nations Championship.