 |
|
 |
||
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|||
Greater Ozarks MFA Agri Services – Ozark, Ash Grove & Marshfield. |
|
Printable Page
01/09 15:58 CST Daz scores in fifth straight game as Morocco joins Senegal in
Africa Cup semifinals
Daz scores in fifth straight game as Morocco joins Senegal in Africa Cup
semifinals
By CIARAN FAHEY
AP Sports Writer
RABAT, Morocco (AP) --- Brahim Daz scored again and host Morocco joined
Senegal in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over
Cameroon on Friday.
Daz extended his Moroccan record by scoring in a fifth straight game at the
tournament when he ushered in with his groin Ayoub El Kaabi's header from a
corner in the 27th minute. Daz ran to the corner and shrugged as if to say he
didn't know how he scored again.
Ismael Saibari sealed the win in the 74th with a low shot inside the far post
after a corner, just minutes after Cameroon substitute Georges-Kvin Nkoudou
went close at the other end.
That proved to be five-time champion Cameroon's only real chance as the
Indomitable Lions succumbed to the Atlas Lions for the first time in five
meetings at an Africa Cup.
"It wasn't a perfect match because in the second half we allowed Cameroon to
gain confidence again," Morocco coach Walid Regragui said. "We spent a lot of
energy in the first half, we were all over the field. But in the second half we
fell back, so there are things that can be improved. At the end of the day
we're in the semifinals."
Morocco next plays Nigeria or Algeria on Wednesday.
Cameroon players danced their way to the locker room before the game but when
they took to the field they were greeted by deafening whistles at the near
70,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Morocco will have the fans' support there in the semifinals, also, and the
final on Jan. 18 should it progress.
The Atlas Lions might have won by more but for Cameroon captain Nouhou Tolo's
spectacular clearance early on and Samuel Kotto's goal-line clearance in the
second half. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli fired just wide and El Kaabi hit the side
netting in the first half, then Ezzalzouli headed over in the second.
The tireless Daz went off to ovations in the final minute. He'll have an extra
day's rest over the team's next opponents.
Teranga Lions also progress Iliman Ndiaye's first-half strike was enough for Senegal to beat 10-man Mali 1-0 in the first quarterfinal. Ndiaye poked the ball home from close range in the 27th minute after Mali 'keeper Djigui Diarra let Krpin Diatta's cross slip through his fingers to land at Ndiaye's feet. The winter rain which has soaked the tournament started to fall early at Grand Stade de Tanger and it would not have helped Diarra's grip on the ball. Mali captain Yves Bissouma was already booked for a foul on Sadio Man as his team made a courageous start, and the Eagles' hopes took a major blow when he was shown a second yellow card before the break for a foul on Idrissa Gueye. Referee Abongile Tom had already sent off Woyo Coulibaly in Mali's previous game, a penalty shootout win over Tunisia, and Bissouma's sending off represented the team's third sending off in as many games. Abdoulaye Diaby had Mali's best chance before the hour mark but his shot was too close to Senegal keeper douard Mendy. Otherwise all the chances were at the other end; Diarra saved from Lamine Camara and Man in stoppage time. The 2021 champion stays in Tangier where it awaits the winner between Ivory Coast and Egypt in the first semifinal on Wednesday. ___ AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
Teranga Lions also progress Iliman Ndiaye's first-half strike was enough for Senegal to beat 10-man Mali 1-0 in the first quarterfinal. Ndiaye poked the ball home from close range in the 27th minute after Mali 'keeper Djigui Diarra let Krpin Diatta's cross slip through his fingers to land at Ndiaye's feet. The winter rain which has soaked the tournament started to fall early at Grand Stade de Tanger and it would not have helped Diarra's grip on the ball. Mali captain Yves Bissouma was already booked for a foul on Sadio Man as his team made a courageous start, and the Eagles' hopes took a major blow when he was shown a second yellow card before the break for a foul on Idrissa Gueye. Referee Abongile Tom had already sent off Woyo Coulibaly in Mali's previous game, a penalty shootout win over Tunisia, and Bissouma's sending off represented the team's third sending off in as many games. Abdoulaye Diaby had Mali's best chance before the hour mark but his shot was too close to Senegal keeper douard Mendy. Otherwise all the chances were at the other end; Diarra saved from Lamine Camara and Man in stoppage time. The 2021 champion stays in Tangier where it awaits the winner between Ivory Coast and Egypt in the first semifinal on Wednesday. ___ AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
