Morocco have become the first African nation to reach the semi-final of a FIFA World Cup tournament.
Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute when he jumped highest to head the ball past goalkeeper Diogo Costa, sending the crowd at the Al Thumama Stadium into frenzy.
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Just like their quarter final clash against Spain, Moroccan fans dominated the fanbase in he Stadium, singing and drumming throughout the encounter.
Morocco largely launched on the counter and secured the opener – and winner – just before halftime. Portugal skipper Bruno Fernandes came close to scoring moments later but his effort struck the crossbar.
The instructions and intent of coach Walid Regragui were clear after the break – sit back and press more on the counter. Of course, this was the game plan from the first period but it was more pronounced in the second. Fernando Santos’ side had more of the ball and troubled a resolute Moroccan defense.
Portugal’s most notable chance was João Felix’s brilliant strike which was tipped over by Yassine Bounou.
Cristiano Ronaldo had been introduced in the 50th minute to change Portugal’s fortunes but his record international appearance ended in agonising defeat. During the game, Ronaldo equalled Kuwait striker Bader Al-Mutawa’s international caps record – 196.
Morocco achieve historic feat
Morocco emerged the fourth African nation to reach the quarter finals of the World Cup after beating a star-studded Spanish side via penalties in the last 16.
The likes of Hakim Ziyech, Sofiane Boufal, Yassine Bounou and Youssef En-Nesyri were very key to the success over Spain. Heading into the last eight tie against Portugal, all of Africa’s hope was on the north Africans. Morocco was the last African team standing and had the backing of most African football fans.
While speaking to the press, coach Regragui had stated his team’s win against Spain was for Africa.
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Ghana, Cameroon and Tunisia had been eliminated in the group stage of this tournament while Senegal bowed out in the round of 16, after losing to England.
Morocco were missing the likes of Noussair Mazraoui and West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd due to injuries. The African side also lost captain Romain Saiss to injury early in the second half of the game.
However, this did not weigh them down as they defended with everything within them, keeping a seventh clean sheet in eight matches under their boss who was only appointed three months before the commencement of the World Cup. They have also conceded just once in the ongoing tournament.
Their next challenge is against 2018 winners France, who defeated England in the last eight.
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