African fans can look back at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and feel proud of each representative knowing each of them made a statement.
From Senegal qualifying out of Group A without star man Sadio Mane, to Cameroon becoming the first African country to beat Brazil at the mundial. Not forgetting Tunisia nearly pulling through after beating defending champions France but were let down by Australia’s 1-0 victory over Denmark.
Also, Ghana’s epic 3-2 win over South Korea and their efforts to get a result against Portugal which ultimately ended in a 3-2 defeat. These have made the 2022 World Cup a memorable one for the African continent. The biggest stars however are the Morocco national team.
The Atlas Lions put in a masterclass in Group F, first drawing 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia before beating the world’s second-ranked team Belgium 2-0 and finally Canada 2-0.
These results were enough to see the Moroccans top the group, and were one of four other teams (Netherlands, England, United States and Croatia) who went the entire group phase unbeaten. It is also the first time an African team achieved this since the 2002 World Cup, when Senegal finished second in Group A with five points and went all the way to the quarter-finals at the first time of asking.
One of the biggest moments in Qatar came when the Moroccans took on Mediterranean neighbours and 2010 world champions Spain and got the better of them in the penalty shoot-out after a goalless 120 minutes. The result sent Africans and Arabs into rupture, especially for the latter which is the first time an Arab representative made it to the quarter-finals.
The victory over Spain was so huge, coach Walid Regragui – who took charge in August from reigning Caf Champions League winners Wydad Casablanca – believes the Lions can now dream of winning the World Cup.
“We want to win the World Cup,” Regragui told FIFA+. “Why shouldn’t we dream? Dreaming is human nature. If you don’t have a dream, you’ll never achieve anything.”
That’s a very ambitious statement from Regragui as it will be ecstatic for the African continent should Morocco win the tournament.
Before that happens, they first need to navigate past Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday evening and break the quarter-final jinx for African teams at the World Cup. To achieve this, the Moroccans must first not overrate their opponents. Doing that will put fear in their minds and prevent them from playing the Portuguese as they should.
The Moroccans have been very solid defensively, with no opposition player yet to put the ball in their net, Nayef Aguerd (own goal), the player to concede their own goal. Morocco have made the most tackles at the World Cup (23), joint-most clean sheets (3) along with England, the fifth most clearances (25.5), same rank for interceptions (10.5).
The centre-back pairing of Romain Saiss (11 clearances, second highest in Qatar) and Aguerd – if fit – will need to maintain this shape against the Portuguese who boast of attacking talents like Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Ramos – who netted a hat-trick in Portugal’s 6-2 bashing of South Korea in the Round of 16, and of course talisman Cristiano Ronaldo who will be looking to add to his sole goal in Qatar after being benched against the Koreans.
These are very fierce players that must not be taken likely lest they find the slightest of opportunity to do what is best. This is also where Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou needs to be on high alert. The Sevilla shot-stopper saved two penalties against Spain and will be relied on to do the same against the Portuguese.
In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat has been ever-present with his energetic and tireless performances frustrating the bigger opposition he has faced. Such fine displays will definitely catch the eyes of top European clubs. It won’t be a surprise if the Fiorentina defensive midfielder makes a move during the January transfer window.
In attack, Hakim Ziyech has been the star, his decision to come out of retirement after falling out with former manager Vahid Halilhodzic proving to be a masterstroke. He has scored one goal and provided one assist so far and his pace down the flanks and threat from setpieces will cause problems for the Portuguese.
Ziyech’s good form will be a boost for his confidence especially after being frozen out of the Chelsea squad for much of this season with his future at Stamford Bridge in question. However, with what he’s shown in Qatar, Blues boss Graham Potter might want to involve him more especially as the ex-Brighton tries to get things going in West London.
Ziyech’s opposite number in Sofiane Boufal has also been a livewire, with his dribbling (2.3 successful dribbles per game) and ability to drift into the box a joy to watch. Not also forgetting right-back Achraf Hakimi who is a threat going forward, and like Ziyech, is a dead ball specialist.
Morocco have what it takes to get a desired result against Portugal. They should not lower the standards they’ve set in Qatar and should respond to whatever tactical plan Fernando Santos has up his sleeves.
The fate of Africa is in the hands of Morocco to make history at the World Cup. Hopefully, it will be another phenomenal triumph that ensures their fairytale run in the Arabian gulf continues.
