Marrakech – After a 3-1 victory in their Arab Cup opening game against the Comoros, the Atlas Lions’ second group stage match, against a resilient Oman team, ended in a goalless draw. 

The match, which was played at Education City Stadium in Ar-Rayyan, Qatar, was a tactical battle between Tarik Sektioui and Carlos Queiroz. 

Sektioui’s men set off on a solid start in the first half. The Moroccans’ initial intentions were clearly to dominate possession, and consequently, dictate the tempo of the match. 

But Oman’s defensive block was difficult to break down. Aside from a few moments of individual creativity, courtesy of Amine Zouhzouh, the Atlas Lions struggled to consistently break down Queiroz’s defensive structure. 

Morocco’s two biggest scoring chances both came via their captain, Abderrazak Hamdallah. 

First, the Al-Shabab striker broke free on a fastbreak at the 29th minute, and after a brilliant through ball from Zouhzouh, his effort from the edge of the box was parried into a corner kick by Oman’s goalkeeper, Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini. 

Morocco’s second chance came via the same duo. Zouhzouh, operating from the right flank this time, cleverly chopped the ball past his defender before crossing it into the box. There, Hamdallah, wrestling for position, was able to deflect the cross on target, forcing another great save from Al-Mukhaini. 

The turning point of the match occurred in the 53rd minute. While contesting for an aerial duel, Hamdallah made a clumsy challenge. Attempting to acrobatically re-direct a long ball, the Moroccan striker’s sole made direct contact with Omani center-back Musab Al-Shaqsy’s face, leaving him bloody. 

Though not intentional, the action was logically categorized as dangerous play. Hamdallah was sent off with a direct red card, leaving the Atlas Lions undermanned for the rest of the fixture. 

Now with a numerical advantage, Queiroz’s side showed more initiative in possession. The Omani side set camp in Morocco’s half of the field for the rest of the match, dominating possession and shooting a total of six times in the second half alone.

Oman’s attacks were, however, met by a sturdy Moroccan backline. Center-backs Soufiane Bouftini and Marouane Saadane repeatedly put out fires in the Moroccan box, neutralizing Oman’s attack.

Despite persistent Omani efforts and the occasional Moroccan counter-attack, the match eventually ended in a scoreless draw. 

Both teams will take home an important point from this match. For now, Morocco will retain the lead of Group B, pending the result from the Saudi Arabia vs. Comoros game later today.

Morocco’s third and last group stage match will be on December 8 against the Saudi team. The Atlas Lions will be without their captain, Hamdallah, as he serves the suspension for his sending-off today.