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Celtic thump Egyptian side Al-Ahly 5-0 at Wembley

Bhoys look bright and sharp in friendly


Published Saturday, July 25, 2009, 12:26 PM
Updated Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 12:08 PM

 

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Celtic striker Scott McDonald was on target at Wembley.
Photo by PA Wire/Press Association Images

Wembley Stadium was buzzing on Friday night as Tony Mowbray’s inspired Celtic team gave the new Bumble Bee kit a memorable first outing with a stylish 5-0 win over top Egyptian side Al-Ahly.

It was a commanding performance from the on-song Celts, who knocked the ball about confidently and created a glut of chances in the club’s first match at Wembley. The Egyptians just couldn’t cope with Celtic’s passing and movement.

Massimo Donati grabbed the opener and Scott McDonald’s spot-kick made it 2-0 before the break. Shaun Maloney grabbed a sublime third and McDonald then curled home for the goal of the match with No.4.

Once again, there were plenty of positives for Mowbray in his third match in charge. All of his players came through unscathed, while new Bhoy Danny Fox, who completed his move from Coventry City on Friday morning, played the final 15 minutes. Special mention should also go to Artur Boruc, who was at his world-class best.

Next up is Spurs in Sunday’s second Wembley Cup match. Barcelona are also involved in the round-robin tournament, but Celtic are now in a strong position to emerge with some silverware.

Andreas Hinkel had the first effort of the match for Celtic. The German full-back danced into space on the right wing and headed into the box, but his low shot was saved easily by Al-Ahly’s Hameed.

The movement of McDonald and Marc-Antoine Fortune was causing problems for Al-Ahly and the Aussie came close in nine minutes with an instinctive front-post effort. Amir got down well to tip it round the post.

From the resultant corner, McDonald was handed a golden chance. Maloney’s delivery missed Glenn Loovens and found the Hoops striker unmarked at the back post. The Aussie made a clean connection but the ball somehow spun over the bar.

Minutes later, the Dutch defender glanced a header wide of target as Celtic enjoyed some pressure. Yet, Al-Ahly also carved out a chance when Mohammed Talaat raced clear on Artur Boruc. The Pole stood up to the shot and pulled off a trademark save.

Maloney was a menace on the left wing and he produced an audacious backheel to set Fortune free in the box. The striker spun and crashed a shot off the bar. From the rebound, Maloney’s volley caught the post.

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