JEDDAH, 26 December 2002 — Morocco squeaked into the last four of the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Tournament for the Arab Cup despite losing 1-0 to Sudan, when Kuwait failed to beat Palestine in the other group match.
Kuwait needing a victory against Palestine, after Morocco’s surprise loss, could only manage to chalk out a 3-3 draw against a gritty Palestine leaving them level with Morocco on five points each from the group. But Morocco advanced with a better goal difference along with Jordan.
Morocco were stunned by a first-half penalty conversion by Haitham Mustafa, as Sudan held on grimly to this edge.
But Kuwait failed to take the opportunity, offered by Morocco, to qualify as they struggled against a rejuvenated Palestine. After Musaed Nahda had put Kuwait ahead in the 13th minute, it looked to be Kuwait’s day.
But three quick goals in succession by Palestine put Kuwait under considerable pressure. First Suleiman Shaker canceled out Musaed’s goal in the 15th minute and Francisco Alam (38th) and Muhammad Al-Gheish (46th) increased the lead to 3-1.
Kuwait roared back into the game with two swift strikes, both coming from Bashar Abdullah, in the 68th and 73rd minutes to infuse new charge into the match. But for all their efforts, Kuwait failed to breach the Palestine citadel further.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad lost in the King Fahd Cup soccer tournament, losing 1-3 to Al-Shola at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah yesterday. In an another match, played in Riyadh, Al-Shabab defeated Al-Ta’ie 1-0.
Shoa’la’s Nawaf Daajani scored two goals in the 19th and 32nd minutes while the third goal was scored by Brazilian Claudio. Ittihad’s lone goal came from Tariq Al-Mawled just a minute before the final whistle.
Despite the defeat Ittihad still is at the top with 22 points while Shola with 15 points is in the fifth spot.
Dismayed by the poor tactical display, Ittihad President Dr. Adnan Jamjoom has indicated that he would not hesitate in canceling coach Oscar’s contract if there is a reapeat of yesterday’s display.
Shabab downed Ta’ie by a solitary goal at the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. Naji Majarshi scored for Shabab in the 49th minute of the game. Shabab now have 14 points, while Ta’ie has 12 points.
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