Doha El Madani was the star of the show on Saturday night in El Jadida, as the teenage sensation was brilliant during AS FAR’s 4-0 triumph over Aigles De La Médina.
The hosts, who are hoping to recapture their crown, won easily 3-0 thanks to a brace from the 19-year-old and a penalty kick converted by experienced captain Aziz Rabbah.
The hosts and debutants took centre stage at the same location for the second Group A encounter after TP Mazembe had defeated the University of the Western Cape earlier in the day.
As anticipated, AS FAR dominated the game right away, and coach Mohamed Amine Alioua chose to use an all-attacking lineup.
The hosts quickly broke the tie when teenage sensation Doha El Madani positioned herself perfectly to calmly finish off a rebounding ball to open the score.
El Madani, full of confidence, scored her second goal of the night after Sanaa Mssoudy threaded a fantastic play, and Madani doubled the advantage in the 29th minute to earn her brace.
The hosts did not let the two-goal lead deter them from pressing forward, and as the pressure increased, Aigles De La Médina gave up a penalty, which experienced captain Aziz Rabbah took advantage of and slotted home with ease.
Aigles came back from break wearing a better put-together attire and making fewer mistakes in the danger zone.
They had trouble breaking out of their half, though, so this was not accompanied by strong build-up play.
After a defensive scramble saw the ball fall into the striker’s path, who then shot her effort into the upright, Hajar Said came very close to scoring the fourth goal for the home team.
The hosts continued to dominate possession, confident that they would win.
After Adama Sane was sent for an early shower for a foul in the box on Mssoudy, things could have grown even worse for the Aigles, but Aya Baghass saved Rabbah’s mild penalty.
The hosts won the three points and advanced to the top of Group A, ahead of TP Mazembe, at the end of the match.