Teenage sensation El Madani shines as AS FAR cruise past Aigles De La Médina
It was the Doha El Madani show as the teenage star shone brightly in AS FAR’s 3-0 victory over Aigles De La Médina in the CAF Women's Champions League in El Jadida on Saturday.
A brace by the 19-year-old, coupled with a converted penalty by veteran skipper Aziz Rabbah, secured a comfortable win for the Moroccan side, who are keen on reclaiming the title.
Following TP Mazembe’s earlier victory over the University of the Western Cape in the first fixture, it was the hosts and debutantes who took centre stage at the same venue for the second match of Group A.
As expected, AS FAR took control of the match from the onset, with coach Mohamed Amine Alioua opting for an all-attacking formation.
It did not take long for the hosts to break the deadlock, as teenage star Doha El Madani positioned herself well to calmly finish off a rebounded ball and open the scoring.
High in confidence, El Madani found her second goal of the evening after a brilliantly threaded ball by Sanaa Mssoudy allowed her to double the lead in the 29th minute, securing her brace.
The two-goal cushion did not lead to the hosts easing up, as they continued pressing forward. With pressure mounting, Aigles De La Médina conceded a penalty, and veteran skipper Aziz Rabbah stepped up to comfortably slot it home.
Returning from the break, Aigles came out more structured, with fewer errors in the danger area. However, this was not matched by effective build-up play, as they struggled to get out of their half.
Hajar Said almost found a fourth goal for the hosts after a scramble in defence saw the ball land in her path, but she fired her effort into the upright.
With the win firmly in hand, the hosts continued to dominate possession.
Things could have gotten even worse for Aigles after Adama Sane was sent off for a foul in the box on Mssoudy, but Rabbah’s tame penalty was saved by the keeper.
The match concluded with the hosts securing the three points and going top of Group A ahead of TP Mazembe.