AC Milan edge Wydad in Doha

Doha:  AC Milan secured a narrow one-goal victory over Wydad, despite dominating the match from start to finish in the Al Kass Cup International at Aspire Academy here yesterday.
The Moroccans had goalkeeper Taha Mourid to thank for keeping the scoreline respectable, although it was his error that allowed the Italians to prevail, after he had conjured a series of world-class saves.
 Milan’s players would have been aware of their club’s proud history at Al Kass, and of how progress from U-17 level to first team is possible.
The Italians struggled to impose thier dominance o n the  proceedings.
Wydad had come off second best in a highly physical encounter against Esperance Tunis on Sunday evening, but this time round they were given more time on the ball to settle.
In the absence of goals, the game became increasingly physical, with wild challenges flying in and tempers fraying. Referee Ahmed Hussain did well to keep things flowing, when the temptation must have been to reach for his cards.
 The first half finished goalless, with Milan rueing a host of missed opportunities, and Wydad grateful to still be in the game.
MIlan’s best chance of the game arrived when the referee awarded a penalty to Milan. Tonin stepped up and shot well, but Mourid produced an outstanding save, and Haidara sliced the rebound horribly wide.
 A nasty collision on the hour mark between Wydad’s Aziz Mouncef and Milan keeper Leonardo Uzzo, as they competed to get on the end of a high ball, saw both players require treatment. The unfortunate Uzzo was forced from the field, to be replaced by Niccolo Zanellato.
 The Italians had wasted so many chances that it was surprising when they finally went ahead in the 78th minute. Mourid somehow let a straightforward shot squirm under his body, leaving Niccolo Corti with the simplest of finishes. In truth, it was no more than the Rossoneri deserved, although it was desperately unfortunate for Wydad’s keeper, who had easily been their man of the match up to that point.