Morocco have become the first African country to advance into the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup.
Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal was enough to send Morocco through with a 1-0 win over Portugal on Saturday evening. The Atlas Lions have now succeeded in the stage where three African countries (Senegal, Ghana and Cameroon) failed.
En-Nesyri towered high in the sky to head home just before halftime, and the Moroccan defense took over from there, stifling the Portugal attack for the full 90 minutes.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo started the match on the bench, with Fernando Santos again favouring young Goncalo Ramos in the attack, but the Portugal manager turned to his aging captain just minutes after half-time.
It ultimately had little effect, as Ronaldo missed his one good opportunity to change the game later.
Rafael Leao was the true injection of attacking flair, but his introduction came too late to alter the scoreline.
Meanwhile, Morocco midfielders Sofiane Boufal and Azzedine Ounahi made the difference throughout the game, and replacement defender Yahia Attiyat Allah also put forth a massive effort.
Morocco captain Romain Saiss came off injured in the second half, and substitute Walid Cheddira was sent off in injury time, but it made no difference as the North African nation remained solid in shape and structure.
Morocco will now face the winner of the quarter-final clash between England and France in the semis.
