Wasteful Smouha of Egypt draw in Angola to exit Confederation Cup

Ahram Online , Sunday 9 Jul 2017

Smouha
(Photo: AL-Ahram)

Egyptian side Smouha were eliminated from the Confederation Cup group stage after being held to a goalless draw away to Angola's Recreativo do Libolo on Sunday.

The Alexandria-based club finished third in their group with six points, just one behind second-placed Recreativo who won the second qualifying ticket.

Zambian side Zesco kept their position on top after being awarded a 3-0 walkover win over Hilal Elobied of Sudan, who were disqualified from the competition after world governing body FIFA had suspended the Sudanese Football Association for "government interference" on Thursday. 

Having no chance but to win to reach the quarters, Smouha produced a spirited performance, squandering many goal-scoring opportunities.

Recreativo's keeper was the hero, pulling off a string of fine saves to thwart the Egyptians.

his side in many occasions with his great performance, preventing the Egyptian side to score in his net.

Smouha intensified their attacks in the the last 15 minutes but strikers Ahmed Raouf and midfielders Islam Mohareb and Amr El-Menoufi wasted their efforts with the goal at their mercy.

Referee William Selorm Agbovi also waved away Smouha players' appeal for a penalty after attacking midfielder Hossam Hassan was fouled inside the area in stoppage time. Television replays showed that he was pushed from behind.
 

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