Interclube in narrow 1st leg semi-final win over MAS

Angolan club side Interclube won the first leg of Orange CAF Confederation semi- final match against MAS from Morocco by a 2-1 score line in a match played in Luanda. The Moroccans will feel they have done their chances of making the finals a lot of good courtesy of an away goal they scored and a 1-0 win in the second leg in Morocco could enough to do just that.  MAS opened the scoring in the 39minute through Halouli who beat Interclube ‘s DR Congo goalkeeper Tsherry . It remained like this for a long time as the Angolans started wondering if their dreams of reaching the finals would end even before the second leg of the semi-final as MAS defended well and protected the precious lead. Interclube coach then played his trump card bring in Moco for Minguito and the substitution paid off with Moco causing some problems to the MAS defence. He came close with a short in the 62st minute as did Paty and Pedro Henriques as Interclube went in search of the equalizer. MAS’ goalkeeper was soon the busiest man on the pitch pulling off some fine saves to deny the Angolans. As the clock ticked away with MAS leading the Moroccans seemed keen to see out the game on that score line playing for time and in the 84th minute Moco made them pay for it when his shot beat MAS goalkeeper and brought the stadium roof down as the home crowd cheered the goal. There was a hint of a MAS defender having the last touch as the ball went in but Moco and Interclube did not care much about that and instead took the match a notch up sensing victory. The Blue and white team sent the crowd wilder in add time when Moco again chose to shoot at goal when everyone including MAS goalkeeper expected him to cross. The surprised goalkeeper was beaten and 22ND June Stadium erupted with joy at Interclube’s second and winning goal. At the final whistle the joy was evident on the Interclube players and officials as they acknowledged they dug themselves out of a difficult situation and will travel to Morocco in two weeks time for the second leg with a result to defend.