Football and it’s consequent surprises are just inseparable. The star studded Moroccan side coached by two-time winning coach, Herve Renard has been kicked home by Benin – a team which hasn’t won any game in regulation time in it’s entire AFCON history……wow!
Morocco will rue their missed chances but on the other hand, any avid follower of football will know that if there’s anything wrong with the Moroccan team, it is that little bit of “luck” needed to win games convincingly.
Moise Adilehou slotted home Cebio Soukou’s corner kick in the 53rd minute for Benin. After a mistake in the Benin defense, Mbark Boussoufa played Youssef En-Nesyri through on goal in the 76th minute and Nesyri made no mistake.
Luck, luck, luck……In the 90th minute, Hakim Ziyach had the golden opportunity to send Morocco through via a spot kick. Ziyach stepped up, swerved Saturnin Allagbe but hit the post instead of the back of the net.
In a typical football story, such misses do not go unpunished………and this game was no different.
Again in the 117th minute, Hakim Ziyach received a well-placed pass from Mbark Boussoufa in the 18 yard box but the Ajax midfielder blazed his shot over the bar.
Then came the dreaded penalty shoot-outs….. Olivier Verdon, David Djigla, Tidjani Anane and Seibou Mama converted for Benin. Oussama Idrissi was the only one who scored for Morocco – Sofiane Boufal, and Youssef En-Nesyri missed. Benin emerged 4-1 winners via spot kicks after a pulsating 1-1 draw after extra time.
It’s going to be another long wait Herve Renard’s elusive third AFCON.
Source: EonlineGH.com/ Baiden Gideon
