PSV Eindhoven defeated Raja Casablanca 3-2 in a thrilling encounter in the opening game of Al Kass International Cup at Aspire Academy yesterday.
It was PSV who made the early running. Impressive central defender Aboubacar Kone emerged as the architect of PSV’s possession football, building patiently from the back as the Dutch youngsters kept the ball and waited for an opportunity to attack. On seven minutes one arrived, and Raja keeper Ayman Moubsir did well to deny Dave Van Den Berg and Jorbe Vertessen in quick succession to keep the score level.
While initially struggling to create chances, Casablanca soon settled and, roared on by a passionate support, showed a determination that often blunted PSV’s attacking intent.
However, at the 25 minutes this physical approach cost Raja dear, when referee Abdulaziz Moosa awarded a penalty after Iliass Hallal shoved Rico Zeegers in the back. Sekou Sidebe made no mistake from the spot, and PSV were ahead.
In terms of chances created, it was no more than Eindhoven deserved, and their attacking dominance continued in the lead-up to half time, with PSG keeper Kyan Van Dorp largely unemployed. Despite occasional spells of attractive interplay, Raja struggled to break down Eindhoven’s well-organised defence, and the Dutch went into the break with their 1-0 lead intact.
Chances were at a premium as the second half got underway, with each side cancelling the other out. In the second-half rain began to fall, but the weather did little to dampen the Raja fans’ spirits, as they sang a full repertoire of club anthems from the stands.
However, they were briefly silenced when a second penalty was awarded to PSV after Ayobe Fahim upended Sidibe, who recovered to side-foot home to the keeper’s right.
Within minutes, Eindhoven were three goals to the good after Raja’s defenders dawdled on the ball and PSV’s attackers took advantage in clinical fashion, exchanging passes before Sidibe produced a composed finish to complete his hat-trick.
All looked lost for Casablanca. Yet, to their great credit, they were back in the game when substitute Soufiane Mahrouk’s stunning diving header reduced the deficit and sparked another chorus from their devoted fans.
The goal was the catalyst for Raja’s best spell of the match, and the Dutch had to draw on all of their defensive reserves to repel a wave of attacks.
Their central defensive pairing of Kone and captain Tijn Daverveld held firm until, with six minutes remaining, Shurandy Sambo was adjudged to have handled in the area and, remarkably, the referee pointed to the spot for a third time.
Skipper Ridi Idbouiguiguine fired high into the top right corner to reduce the deficit to the odd goal in five.
Casablanca now had the bit between their teeth, and their raucous support produced a wonderful atmosphere as the game reached a tumultuous climax. PSV’s early intricacies were forgotten as they resorted to the long ball in an effort to reduce the pressure on their goal.
With the game deep into injury time, the effervescent Idbouiguiguine won a free kick just outside the PSV area. Van Korp held Hamza Amama’s lofted effort firmly in his arms, and looked to have secured victory for the Dutchmen.
But incredibly, the match held another twist when Daverveld was adjudged to have pulled the shirt of Idriss Nazil, and referee Moosa awarded a fourth penalty. The PSV players protested, and Van Korp was dismissed for violent conduct amid chaotic scenes.  
Eindhoven forward Yorbe Vertessen took the goalkeeper gloves for the final act of an extraordinary game and, incredibly, dived headlong to his right to deny Idbouiguiguine, prompting scenes of wild delirium amongst the PSV players, and of utter desperation for the kids from Casablanca. It was a cruel way to lose, but a stunning way to open the 2017 edition of tournament.