Tightly contested Morocco Nigeria duel ends goalless
Despite both teams showing moments of attacking promise, neither side was able to break the deadlock across the 90 minutes. The fixture, officiated by Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda, was marked by a flurry of fouls, stoppages, and missed opportunities.
Morocco came closest to finding the back of the net in the second half, with Fouad Zahouani and Ayman Arguigue both squandering headed chances from inside the six-yard box. Nigeria responded with efforts of their own, including a long-range strike from Israel Ayuma and a header from Emmanuel Chukwu, both of which failed to trouble the Moroccan goalkeeper.
Substitutions and injuries interrupted the flow throughout the game, with players from both sides needing treatment late in the second half. Morocco's Hossam Essadak and Nigeria's Divine Oliseh were among those who left the pitch limping.
With the result, both nations will have to wait a little longer to secure a place in the knockout stages, with their final group matches set to be decisive.
It was a clash full of grit, but in the end, neither Morocco nor Nigeria could find the killer touch in front of goal.
Up next for Morocco will be a North African duel against Tunisia on Wednesday, with a simultaneous fixture seeing Nigeria taking on Kenya.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
4 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Zamalek's new signings show promise ahead of Egyptian League new season - Egyptian Football
Zamalek's new recruits are showing early signs of promise as the Whites gear up for the start of the 2025–26 Egyptian Premier League season. The Whites have been active in the summer transfer window, signing eight players in preparation for their league opener against Ceramica Cleopatra on 9 August at Suez Stadium. The season kicks off a day earlier on 8 August. Among the arrivals are veteran goalkeeper El-Mahdi Soliman, Angolan winger Chico Banza, forwards Amr Nasser and Ahmed Sherif, Moroccan U-20 international Abdelhamid Maali, and Swedish-Palestinian winger Adam Kaied. Defensive midfielder Ahmed Rabie and defender Mohamed Ismael also joined the squad earlier this week. 'I promise Zamalek supporters we'll meet their expectations this season. Every player is determined to fight for every trophy,' said Ismael, who signed from ZED FC, via the club's official website. Rabie, who joined from NBE Club, echoed the sentiment, stressing the team's readiness to compete on all fronts. 'I will do my best to help the team win titles this season,' the midfielder said. 'I hope to fulfil the fans' expectations as soon as possible.' Zamalek are aiming to bounce back after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign in which they finished third in the Egyptian Premier League and were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CAF
16 hours ago
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Uganda team profile
Fact File Nickname: The Uganda Cranes Total Appearances: Six (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022) Last Appearance: Algeria 2022 Titles: 0 FIFA Ranking: 89 Co-Coaches: Morley Byekwaso & Fred Muhumuza One of the most consistent participants in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosts Uganda head into the 2024 edition eager to finally make a deep run in the competition. Set to feature in the tournament for a seventh time, the Uganda Cranes have become regulars on the CHAN stage, but progression beyond the group stage remains elusive. With home advantage and a passionate fanbase behind them, the East African giants are aiming to rewrite history on home soil. Alongside Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda will also use the tournament as a key benchmark in their preparations to co-host the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in 2027. How they qualified: As tournament co-hosts, Uganda gained automatic qualification to the tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania. The Uganda Cranes did play a in the qualifiers where they edged Burundi 2-0 over two legs as part of their preparation for the continental showpiece. Key Player to watch: Allan Okello Creative midfielder Allan Okello brings flair, vision, and attacking impetus to Uganda's CHAN squad. A playmaker with strong domestic and international experience, the Vipers FC playmaker is renowned for his ball control, eye for goal, and ability to unlock tight defences. After returning to top form in the Uganda Premier League, Okello will be central to the Cranes' ambitions in this year's campaign. Know the coach: Morley Byekwaso & Fred Muhumuza Uganda will be led by the experienced coaching duo of Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza. Head coach Byekwaso, a former Uganda Cranes international, enjoyed a decorated playing career before transitioning to management, where he has earned acclaim for his youth development credentials and tactical intelligence. He has guided top Ugandan clubs and the national U20 team, reaching the U20 AFCON final in 2021. Assistant coach Muhumuza brings tactical depth and strong knowledge of local football. A respected figure in Uganda's domestic scene, he is known for nurturing talent and getting the best out of underdog sides. His calm, structured approach complements Byekwaso's more dynamic style, creating a balanced technical bench. Past CHAN performances In all their six previous appearances, Uganda are yet to make it out the group stages of the competition. With the backing of the home supporters, The Uganda Cranes will be looking at rewriting history and improving their record in the competition. What to expect: Despite failing to advance beyond the group stages, excitement in Uganda is at an all-time high at the prospect of hosting two CAF competitions, with the nation also preparing to host the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027. The support of the fans will play a significant role in rallying the co-hosts to an impressive finish next month. Fan Zone Did you know: Uganda are the most successful nation from the CECAFA region with an impressive 40 CECAFA Cup titles to their name. They will be hoping to add the TotalEnergies CHAN trophy to their trophy cabinet.
Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Zamalek announce defender Mohamed Ismael as eighth summer signing - Egyptian Football
Egyptian Premier League side Zamalek have announced the signing of defender Mohamed Ismael from ZED FC, marking their eighth new arrival of the summer. ZED FC confirmed the move earlier this week, posting a farewell message on social media: 'Thank you, Mohamed Ismael. Wish you the best in your next journey at Zamalek,' the club wrote on Facebook. Zamalek are looking to rebuild their squad after a disappointing 2023–24 campaign in which they finished third in the league and were eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup at the quarter-final stage. The 26-year-old joins a busy list of new recruits that includes Swedish-Palestinian winger Adam Kaied, goalkeeper El-Mahdi Soliman, Angolan forward Chico Banza, Moroccan U-20 international Abdelhamid Maali, Pharco FC attacking duo Amr Nasser and Ahmed Sherif, and NBE Club midfielder Ahmed Rabie. Zamalek open their 2024–25 league season against Ceramica Cleopatra on 9 August at Suez Stadium. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
