JEDDAH, 11 August 2003 — The Moroccan Olympic team played out a goalless draw with Al-Hilal of Riyadh to qualify for the second phase of the Seventh Sadaka Soccer Tournament in Asir yesterday.
They finished second to the Syrian Olympic team, which had earlier lost to Al-Ahli 2-1, in Group I. This was Ahli’s first victory and it came too late too make an impact. Though the Syrian team lost, the result did not affect their standings.
Today the Saudi Olympic team will play the Senegal Olympic team in the first game, while Al-Nasr will take on Fajer of Iran in the second tie.
Lyon Bite Back Against Monaco
In Paris, French champions Lyon picked themselves up from last week’s painful loss at Lille by beating Monaco 3-1 on Saturday.
Monaco’s Sebastien Squilaci put the home side ahead with a 15th minute own goal. Mickael Essien and another Monaco own goal this time from Julien Rodriguez completed Lyon’s first-half haul. After the break Monaco striker Shabani Nonda displayed some nifty footwork to beat off the Lyon defense and slot past Gregory Coupet for a consolation goal.
