Thursday
5th February, 2004
African Cup Of Nations - Part Seven |
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| Khalid
Fouhami of Morocco blocks an attempted goal from Sibusiso Zuma
of South Africa |
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Across
South Yorkshire football fans are supporting their team in the African
Cup of Nations.
Walter Mswaka from Sheffield is a Zimbabwean fan who is keeping an
online diary for us. |
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Thursday
5th February
Morocco drew 1-1 with the South Africans yesterday to top Group D.
The Lions of the Atlas were, as usual, well organised and compact.
Their forwards, in particular, Hadji and Zairi were a constant threat
to the Bafana Bafana defence.
The South Africans however, took a surprise lead when a rare mix up
in the Moroccan defence presented South Africa's Patrick Mayo an opportunity
to score an easy goal.
I thought the South Africans played well thereafter, in search of
a second goal, but found their opponents' defence, marshalled by the
experienced Naybet, a tough nut to crack.
It was plain to see that the South Africans really missed their star
players like Piennaar, McCarthy, Bartlet and others who, for some
reasons did not go to the finals.
The Lions of the Atlas drew level when the lively Zairi was brought
down in the box and Youseff Safri converted the penalty with ease,
to book a date with Algeria in the quarterfinals.
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| Jay
Jay Okocha in action for Nigeria |
I think
the Moroccans will win this encounter, because they have more quality
and technical ability in their team. I expect them to go all the way
to the final.
In
the other group match, Nigeria beat a stubborn Benin side 2-1, to
advance to the quarterfinals. Their reward for being runners up
is a date with the Lions of Cameroon, in the quarterfinals.
I think this encounter will produce loads of good football, but
I think Cameroon, will win it.
Nigeria found it difficult to dispatch Benin and needed the generosity
of the Benin defence to score their goals through Lawal and Utaka.
The Nigerian captain, Jay Jay Okocha played very well though I was
surprised to see him playing in a deep midfield role during the
early stages of the game.
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