BRISBANE — Morocco has etched their names in the history books by advancing to the knock-out stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the first attempt.
The Atlas Lionesses team achieved the historic milestone, securing their place in the Round of 16 in their debut appearance at the Women’s World Cup.
By securing one of the second-placed finishes, Morocco has now set up a clash with France on Tuesday.
A lone goal by Anissa Lahmari deep in first half stoppage time was enough to give the tournament debutants a famous 1-0 victory over a dangerous Colombia side in their final Group H match.
The Atlas Lionesses dominated the match right from the outset, displaying their prowess and determination to advance.
With the ball at their feet, they showcased their exceptional skill, enjoying more possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Despite the intense battle on the field, clear-cut chances were scarce during the first half of the game.
As the clock ticked towards half-time, a pivotal moment arose when Ibtissam Jraidi was brought down inside the penalty area, causing a moment of suspense. Ghizlane Chebbak took the resulting penalty, but her shot was met with an excellent save from the Colombian goalkeeper.
However, destiny had a different plan, and Anissa Lahmari seized the moment, pouncing on the rebound and skillfully slotting the ball into the back of the net.
The stadium erupted in jubilation as Morocco claimed a priceless lead, leapfrogging Germany to secure the second spot in Group H.
The jubilant Moroccan players and fans celebrated wildly at the final whistle, knowing qualification had been secured courtesy of Germany and Korea Republic playing out a 1-1 draw in the other group match.
The second half witnessed a fierce battle as Colombia fought hard to equalize and keep their hopes alive.
They launched a series of impressive attacks, but Morocco’s goalkeeper, Khadija Er-Rmichi, stood tall, making spectacular saves to deny the South American side time and again.
With every heart-stopping minute, the tension soared, but Morocco’s resolute defense held firm, frustrating their opponents’ attempts to find the equalizer.
Anissa Lahmari’s outstanding performance on the pitch earned her the well-deserved accolade of Player of the Match.
Her crucial goal in the first half propelled her team to victory, solidifying her place as a key player in Morocco’s quest for glory.
Regardless of the outcome, the Atlas Lionesses have done Africa proud. Their historic journey is one that will inspire girls across the continent to pursue their dreams.
South Africa to face Netherlands in Round of 16
South Africa has officially joined Nigeria in making African women’s football history by also securing their first ever Women’s World Cup round of 16 berth to face Netherlands on Sunday.
Banyana Banyana advanced to the knockout stages of the global showpiece after a highly entertaining 3-2 win over 16th ranked Italy on Tuesday – showing character in coming back from a goal down to stun the Europeans and world football with a well-deserved victory.
Following a jittery start to their second FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, Banyana Banyana proceed into the knockout stages with a newly found confidence from dispatching their more fancied opponents.
The reigning TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations queens narrowly lost their opening match to Sweden 2-1 before their 2-2 stalemate with Argentina, which was then followed by the historic win over Italy that saw them boot them out of the competition.
However, an even bigger task awaits them in the round of 16 when they face 9th ranked Netherlands who finished top of Group E.
In the Lionesses, South Africa come against the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finalists who are hoping to go all the way this year, having fallen short in the last edition after a 2-0 defeat to reigning champions, USA in the finals.
Netherlands, who have been earmarked as one of the tournament favourites opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Portugal before holding the defending champions to a 1-1 draw.
They then emphatically marched into the round of 16 with a 7-0 drubbing of Vietnam.
While on paper, the odds seem to be heavily stacked against the African champions, the South Africans go into the tie with the support of the African continent, which is motivation enough for them to cause yet another upset on Sunday.
Nigeria faces England
The first African nation to qualify for the knockout stages of Nigeria, will be taking on England on Monday, who are the reigning European champions.
For the second time in a row, the Super Falcons are through to the round of 16 and will once again face a European side after exiting the 2019 edition of the tournament at the hands of Germany.
The two nations share a special connection. Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, was born in Leicester, England and studied in England, before to opting for the green and white of Nigeria.
Jennifer Echegini is also another Nigerian star that was born in England.
A lot of doubt was placed on the Nigerian squad upon arrival at the global showpiece due to their fourth place finish at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
All doubt was swiftly swept aside as the Nigerians put up stellar performances where they held off Canada to a 0-0 draw, which was followed by them stunning tournament co-hosts, Australia 3-2 before sealing a place in the knockouts with a 0-0 stalemate against Ireland.
England had a sluggish start to the campaign with narrow 1-0 victories over Haiti and Denmark, before thrashing China 6-1.
