FIFA Arab Cup: Morocco, Algeria, Egypt hit quarter-finals

African interest at the ongoing FIFA Arab cup holding in Qatar remains alive as Morocco, Algeria and Egypt advanced to the quarter-finals.

The trio have joined hosts Qatar in the knock-out stage and truly speaking the cup winner could emerge from either team.

Morocco have been hailed as pleasing to watch and they made that phrase count as they whipped Jordan 4-0 in their second group game to make it 8 goals without reply from two games.

Jabrane Yahya fired a rebound on four minutes to make clear the intentions of the Atlas Lions.

Benoun Badr scored for the second successive game when he poked home a cross-shot from Oualid Azaro on 25 minutes.

With second-half beckoning, Chibi Mohamed fired an audacious shot from far out of the box to leave Jordanian keeper Yazeed Abulaila clutching dust and a mountain to climb.

The second half was a training exercise for the Moroccans and Rahimi Soufiane closed the game and with it a confirmed round 8 slot with a well-taken penalty on 85 minutes.

Morocco will close their group campaign against a young Saudi Arabia who need a win and a favourable result between Jordan and Palestine to stay alive.

Twist

Egypt made it two wins in a row with a 5-0 hammering of Sudan – and with that a quarter-finals berth.

The result meant it was the end of the road for Sudan who have now conceded nine goals in two games.

The group winners will be decided when Egypt clash with bitter rivals Algeria; while Lebanon and Sudan will play for pride

The Algerians moved into the last eight with a strong 2-0 win over Lebanon.

Tunisia were brought down to earth as they fell to Syria 2-0 – who played most of their match with 10-men.

Swedish-born striker Oliver Kass Kawo led the way as the Qasioun Eagles recovered from their opening loss to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Tunisian Carthage Eagles are in danger of dropping out should they lose to the UAE who have already advanced.

That qualification came via a last-minute goal against Mauritania – who exit the tournament painfully.

Mazino Dickson/FIFA