Morocco Tops Egypt in Inaugural IFAF Africa Championship
Morocco’s National American Football Team becomes the first African nation to qualify for the International Federation of American Football World Championships.
The Moroccans defeated Egypt 26-6 in the first IFAF Africa Championship Saturday evening at the German University of Cairo in Cairo, Egypt.
Egypt made sporting history this weekend after it hosted Africa’s first official American football game and there was a raucous Egyptian crowd on hand at GUC Stadium to greet Team Egypt as they took the field.
Morocco v. Egypt
Morocco opened the scoring soon after the opening kick-off on a nifty reverse by running back #10 Mohamed Amouh to put them up 8-0. Wide receiver #3 Mokhles Mekhmoukh scored the two-point conversion, catching a pass from quarterback #8 Ahmed Abdelfetah.
After Morocco’s quick start, Egypt’s defense clamped down and neither team could reach the end-zone for the rest of half. Morocco held an 8-0 lead at the half.
In the third quarter, Egypt forced a turnover and scored a touchdown on a reception by wide receiver #33 Mo’men Naiem. However they missed the PAT and trailed 8-6.
On a Moroccan drive later in the third, Egypt’s defense was penalized with two late hit penalties, giving Morocco great field position and they capitalized, scoring another touchdown on a run by Mohamed Amouh. They missed the PAT but now were up 14-6 at the end of the third quarter.
Egypt coach Caleb Emo comforts player post-game
In the fourth quarter, Egypt finally put a drive together. Stopped on third down they attempted a field goal. The Moroccan defense managed to penetrate and blocked the attempt and on the next series completed a long pass bringing the ball down inside Egypt’s 10-yard line. Moroccan quarterback Ahmed Abdelfetah took the ball in himself for the touchdown increasing the Lions lead to 20-6.
Morocco scored a late touchdown on a run by running back Othmane Zaatri, extending the lead and securing the 26-6 victory over Egypt.
Time ran out on the hosts and Morocco now advances to the 2015 IFAF World Championship.
It was a great game for both teams and was competitive for three quarters of the game until the fourth quarter when Morocco’s experience proved the difference and they were able to pull away.
The Egyptian League of American Football (ELAF) were amazing and organized hosts, pulling together what only seemed like a dream not too long ago… an African American Football Championship!
Check out the coverage of the game by a local Cairo news station!
