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

A Celtic goal seemed inevitable and Donati was the man who provided it in 31 minutes. Maloney and McDonald hounded the Al-Ahly defence, before finding the Italian at the edge of the box.

Donati, taking up possession, emerged from a tackle to burst into the box. Faced with Hameed, the Italian kept his composure and sidestepped the goalkeeper before clipping the ball into the net.

It was a great moment for Donati, who is making the most of his chance to shine under Mowbray. Partnered with Landry NGuemo in central midfield, he looked hungry and was rewarded with the goal.

With McGeady and Maloney running at the Al-Ahly full-backs at every opportunity, Celtic were on top and the second goal arrived in 38 minutes.

McGeady, drifting infield, found some space to burst through the middle and send McDonald clear. The Australian touched the ball past Hameed and was sent crashing to the

It was a stonewall penalty but, sensibly, no red card was given. There were very few complaints and McDonald was coolness personified – sliding his shot off the post and into the back of the net.

 

Darren O’Dea was introduced at the break for Gary Caldwell and Celtic wasted no time in adding a third goal – with Maloney making it 3-0 in 49 minutes.

The outstanding McGeady was the architect, riding two challenges and sliding a pass through to Maloney. The winger looked offside but didn’t care as he curled a wonderful finish into the bottom corner.

Al-Ahly captain Abou Treka was trying to rouse his side from their slumber but it was all to no avail as McDonald grabbed a stunning fourth goal for Celtic in 58 minutes.

Lee Naylor made progress down the left wing and slid a pass to the Aussie on the corner of the box. He dropped a shoulder and bent a beautiful finish into the top corner from 16 yards.

It was game over at the point but Boruc still had to be at his very best to deny Abou Treka as Al-Ahly looked to salvage some pride. The Egyptian striker could only shake his head at Boruc’s save.

Willo Flood, Killen and Marc Crosas replaced McDonald, Donati and NGuemo just after the hour-mark. Minutes later, the tireless Fortune once again spun his marker and flashed a shot across the face of goal.

Koki Mizuno and Fox were also introduced and they were both involved in the fifth strike in 82 minutes. Fox’s corner was rattled back into the box by Mizuno and Killen, unmarked, slotted home from close range to put the seal on a fine display.

 

(www.celticfc.net)

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