Morocco holds on for 2-2 draw against Honduras

Short-handed Morocco held on for a 2-2 draw against Honduras in the Group D opener at the Olympics on Thursday.

Morocco left back Zakarya Bergdich received a straight red card in the 71st minute for kicking Mario Martinez in the left knee. But Honduras was unable to take advantage of the ejection.

Morocco opened the scoring in the 39th minute when Abdelaziz Barrada converted a superb volley.

Jerry Bengtson responded in the 56th minute, tapping in the tying goal, then put the Central American team in front with a penalty kick nine minutes later.

But Honduras' advantage only lasted a couple minutes, with Morocco forward Zakaria Labyad chipping past the goalkeeper from inside the area.

Honduras plays Spain next, while Morocco takes on Japan. Both matches are in Newcastle on Sunday.

By FRANK GRIFFITHS Associated Press

By FRANK GRIFFITHS
Associated Press