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Tribune News Network
DOHA
Aspire Football Dreams and Real Madrid fought out a gritty 1-1 draw in the Al Kass International Football Tournament at the Aspire Zone on Tuesday. With qualification virtually assured for both sides, the game nonetheless presented a valuable opportunity to assess progress against accomplished opposition.
Real had announced themselves as tournament favourites with an imperious 6-2 victory over Fenerbahce in their opening game. AFD, meanwhile, had never looked anything other than comfortable in a routine 2-0 win against the Turkish side. This game therefore promised an altogether tougher examination of each side's true credentials.
AFD boss Serine Dia had made only one change to his previous starting line-up, with Momodou Jallow slotting in at the back in place of Djakaria Barro.
In contrast, perhaps mindful of the demanding Al Kass schedule, Madrid head coach Manuel Fernandez had rung the changes for this match. Only two players centre backs Sergio Santos and Javier Domniguez survived from the previous first 11.
Pacheco had a cause to be thankful for retaining his centre backs when, on 23 minutes, his side took the lead. Eneko Gines swung a free kick in from the left, which was only partially cleared. Domniguez was first on the scene, blasting a bouncing ball into the roof of the net from eight yards out.
Aspire continued to play their positive brand of possession football, seeking to prise open the well-drilled Real backline.
Domniguez' goal aside, there was nothing to choose between the two sides as the first half drew to a close. And, on the stroke of half time, AFD were level.
Christian Otabil advanced into the area down the inside left channel, deftly evading a last-ditch challenge before slotting past Real keeper Toni Ribera. It was the striker's second goal of the tournament, and set the stage for the second 45 minutes.
Barring a late and one-sided avalanche of goals, both teams were already assured of progressing to the knockout stage, thanks to Fenerbahce's defeat in both games.
Milan eke out win
AC Milan secured a narrow one-goal victory over Wydad, despite dominating the match from start to finish. The Moroccans had goalkeeper Taha Mourid to thank for keeping the scoreline respectable, although it was his error that allowed the Italians to prevail, after he had conjured a series of brilliant saves.
~Milan's players would have been aware of their club's proud history at Al Kass, and of how progress from U-17 level to first team is possible. Striker Patrick Cutrone was one of the star players of Al Kass 2014, when Milan finished third, is now lighting up Serie A, having come through the Rossoneri's ranks. Cutrone's career trajectory provides an inspiration to the Al Kass Class of 2018, and proof that talent, dedication and application can eventually bring success.
A pre-match glance at the teamsheet revealed one name that epitomises footballing success Maldini. Wydad had come off second best in a highly physical encounter against Esperance Tunis on Sunday evening, but this time round they were given more time on the ball to settle.
The best of the early chances fell to Milan skipper Riccardo Tonin on 13 minutes, who rose unmarked to glance a header wide of the left-hand post.
Then, a moment of brilliance from Maldini almost led to the opener, when his free kick from 25 yards looked to be flying into the top right corner, only to be expertly tipped over by Mourid.
However, the Wydad stopper was a mere spectator when, around the half-hour mark, Sianka Haidara smashed a volley onto the woodwork from just inside the area.
The first half finished goalless, with Milan rueing a host of missed opportunities, and Wydad grateful to still be in the game.
Milan's best chance of the game arrived when the referee awarded a penalty to Milan. Tonin stepped up and shot well, but Mourid produced an outstanding save, and Haidara sliced the rebound horribly wide.
The Italians had wasted so many chances that it was surprising when they finally went ahead in the 78th minute. Mourid somehow let a straightforward shot squirm under his body, leaving Niccolo Corti with the simplest of finishes. In truth, it was no more than the Rossoneri deserved, although it was desperately unfortunate for Wydad's keeper, who had easily been their man of the match up to that point.
