ABHA, 13 August 2004 — America Ducali Club of Colombia slipped one over Morocco’s Al-Rajaa Club (1-0) in the International Friendship Soccer Tournament at Prince Sultan Sports City here yesterday. Nefor Siyasen scored the winner in the 88th minute to take Ducali to the top of the group with four points.
Rajaa dominated the game from the beginning with strikers Qasser Ameen and Moussa Suleiman launching a number of incisive attacks. But marksmenship was not their strong suit. Also Ducali’s keeper Julian was in fine form as he time and again he blocked the efforts of Moroccans.
A red card was shown to Hisham Abu Sharwan for a robust tackle giving the Colombians the advantage in numbers. They used it clinically with a late flurry.
In the second match of the day, Al-Shabab, the winner of King Fahd Cup, defeated Al-Nasr, 2-1 in a battle between top Saudi teams.
Al-Nasr opened the scoring through Ibrahim Mater in the 25th minute of the game following a penalty award. Manga equalized for Shabab in the 55th while Faisal Al-Obaili completed the tally, converting 70th minute penalty award.
In today’s matches, Japan’s United Club will face Tunisia’s Safaqes while Jomo Cosmos of South Africa will meet Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia. The second match will start at 8 p.m. instead of 8.40 p.m.
