By: Roberta Gayode Modin
Morocco has set the pace for Africa in the 92-year history of the FIFA World Cup to become the first African country to make it to the semi-finals stage of the competition in Saturday’s clash against Portugal.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco stood firm against the pressure of the Seleçao das Quinas of Portugal to beat them to a 1-0 victory at the Al Thumama stadium in Qatar.
Moroccan, Youssef En-Nesyri’s header to what appeared to be a loose ball from the Portugal goalkeeper, Diogo Costa in the 42nd minute of the game placed Morocco ahead of Portugal.
Coming in as a substitute in the early minutes of the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo could not intimidate the Moroccan side to suffer any losses rather, they stifled their defense.
Walid Cheddira’s second yellow card for hacking down Pepe in the 90+2mins placed the Moroccans on the red line. However, they managed to pull through without conceding a goal until the blast of the final whistle.
At this time, Cristiano Ronaldo, knowing very well that his dream of leading his team to win the world cup has been shattered by the Atlas Lions could not help but pour out his disappointment in tears.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan’s victory has booked them a semi-finals ticket against France on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at the Al Bayt stadium.