Kenya upset Morocco's applecart
Morocco-Kenya, Sports, 6/21/2005

The Moroccan squad stumbled on Saturday before the Harambee Stars of Kenya as they drew 0-0 in a World Cup and African Cup qualifier.

The goalless draw leaves Morocco two points clear at the top of the group 5, but gives runner-up Tunisia the opportunity to topple Morocco at the pole position as Tunisia has a game in hand on its north African rival and is due to face the Kenyans at home on August 17.

The absence of squad pillars notably captain Naybet, Chemmakh and Safri were some elements that spoiled the Moroccan recipe.

Hard weather, unwelcoming spectators and a catastrophic pitch were the other part, "the pitch was not good for us because we play technical football so we could not control the ball well; it was too rough," Morocco's manager Zaki said.

But for the brilliant performance of the Moroccan goalkeeper, Myaghri, Kenyans would have vibrated the Moroccan nets at several times.

The tie was marked by some incidents as at least one fan was killed and five others seriously injured at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The Atlas Lions, who are still unbeaten after eight games, top Group 5 with a tally of 16 points, while Tunisia is second with 14 points.

The Atlas Lions will play host to Botswana on September 2, before taking on Tunisia five days later in the Group 5 showdown in Tunis.

In the same group, Botswana staged a major fight back beating Malawi 3-1 in another Group Five tie.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco's Hasna Benhassi wins Athens IAAF Super Grand Prix women's 800m   (6/15/2005)
  Olympic champion El Moutawakel awarded Tunisian sport honor   (6/14/2005)
  L'Equipe: Morocco's Marouane Chemmakh worth eight million euros   (6/11/2005)
  President Arap Moi gets message from King Mohammed   (1/19/2000)

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