Morocco's Marouane Chamakh capitalised on Alan Blayney's mistake

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington jumped to the defence of keeper Alan Blayney whose mistake gifted Morocco their goal in the 1-1 draw in Belfast.

Earlier in the day the Linfield player had celebrated the birth of a son.

"I know how Alan is feeling about the goal, it is never a nice situation," said manager Worthington.

"But I hope it does not take away from his day. He deserves to have a good night with his wife and child and look back with a lot of pleasure."

A late penalty by Rory Patterson salvaged a draw for Northern Ireland who were forced to field a makeshift side and fell behind when Arsenal's Marouane Chamakh pounced on a Blayney clearance to score.

606: DEBATE Have your say on the performance

Worthington felt the young players could be proud of their efforts.

"We stuck at it. Morocco had a lot of the ball but we kept our shape well," he told Radio Ulster.

"A lot of young players got valuable experience. They are learning the game.

"It was a difficult night to play football but they stood up to the test and came out of it very well."

Plymouth striker Patterson said: "I am chuffed to get my first international goal.

"Nobody else was stepping up for it and I am always confident taking penalties."

Morocco manager Eric Gerets was pleased with the visitors' performance and felt they deserved better from his first game in charge.

"I saw a lot of good things," the former Belgium defender said.

"If one team deserved to win it would have been us but sometimes you need a bit of luck.

"It was a cheap penalty - you could have five penalties like that every game."

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