Morocco’s Atlas Lion advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup, following a 2-1 win over Canada at Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar on Thursday.
The North Africans finished top of the Group F with seven points from three matches, in a group that has world number two Belgium and 2018 edition finalists Croatia.
The coach Walid Regragui team also became the first African side to top a World Cup Group, since Nigeria in 1998.
Morocco went ahead inside opening four minutes when Hakim Ziyech took advantage of a weak clearance by goalkeeper Milan Borjan, lobbing the ball into the back of the net.
Youssef En-Nesyri doubled Morocco’s lead in the 23rd minute when he ran onto a long ball from Achraf Hakimi and beat Borjan at the near post.
Nayef Aguerd then scored an own goal, but Morocco held on to seal a place in the round of 16 for the first time in 36-years.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Hakimi wept after the match.
“I didn’t think about it, but now I realise we made history,” he said. “We work very hard and we deserve it.” He said.
The other Group game between Croatia and Belgium ended 0-0, with Croatia picking the second tickets in the Group.
Morocco will face the second-place finishers Spain in Group E, while Croatia will meet Japan.
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