JEDDAH, 23 January 2003 — Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli and Morocco’s Al-Fasi advanced to the second phase of the Arab League Soccer Tournament for Prince Faisal Cup with identical 2-0 verdicts over their respective opponents by topping their groups here yesterday.
In the first game, Al-Fasi saw off the challenge of Bahrain’s Al-Ahli, and in the second game Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli defeated Tunisian team Al-Afriqi with a clinical display. Both Al-Ahli of Bahrain and Al-Afriqi too made the second phase.
The Ahli-Afriqi encounter proved a thriller all the way with the teams ending the first half locked goalless but with honors even. Neither teams gave away the midfield advantage, leading to a game of continued thrusts and counterattacks. This in the process elevated the tempo with the rival defense being called on to do some extra duty to hold back the attacks that came in like waves.
Al-Ahli had to wait till the 71st minute to break Afriqi’s stout-hearted defending and with it also their hearts. Talal Al-Meshal raced in brilliantly to connect with his right foot a defense-splitting center and the redirected ball smashed into the back of the net.
Seven minutes later, Afriqi’s brief resurgence was deflated when Al-Meshal, moving into the box dangerously, was hacked down. Moroccan international Busheeb Lembarki stepped up to slot the ball home from the spot.
Tomorrow Ittihad will play Olympic of Libya and in the second game Qadisiya of Kuwait will play Al-Malab of Tunisia in the second phase. On Saturday, Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia will play Al-Ahli of Bahrain and in the second game Al-Fasi of Morocco will play Al-Afriqi of Tunisia.
Meanwhile, the King Fahd Cup Soccer Tournament, Al-Hilal beat Al-Qadisiya 2-1. Hilal, who have played 15 games, will go top with 29 points. Ittihad, who have played 11 games are second with 26 points and Qadisiya third with 26 points.
In another game, Shola drew with Riyadh 1-1. Riyadh remains in tenth place with 12 points and Shola moves up to sixth with 18 points.
