Morocco have emerged as Africa’s flagbearers at this World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals once again after a dramatic run through the knockout rounds.
Ismael Saibari set the tone in the group stage, scoring in wins over Brazil and Scotland before a 4-2 victory over Haiti sent Morocco through with a perfect record.
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The knockouts brought even greater drama. Morocco edged the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties in the round of 32 after a 1-1 draw following extra time, Issa Diop’s stoppage time equaliser forcing the shootout before Saibari converted the winning kick.
It marked the second time Morocco have eliminated a major European side on penalties at a World Cup, having done the same to Spain in Qatar in 2022.
They followed that up with a statement 3-0 win over co-hosts Canada in the round of 16, doing so even without Saibari, their leading scorer, for large parts of the win.
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Morocco’s run has taken on extra significance given how the rest of Africa’s representatives have fared. Cape Verde’s fairytale ended against Argentina in the round of 32, while Egypt still have a chance to join Morocco in the last eight when they face Argentina in the round of 16.
Having already gone further than any African nation before them in 2022, Morocco now look to prove that run was no accident, with a quarter-final against France awaiting in Boston on 9 July.
Photo: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
