By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
A first half extra time goal scrambled in by Anissa Lahmari was all that Morocco needed to clinch a hard won 1-0 victory over tough Colombia in the last Group H tie at Perth Rectangular Stadium on Thursday.
By this result, Morocco garnered six points to finish second behind Colombia but which was enough to book the Round of 16 ticket. Colombia placed first on the same six points but with superior goals difference.
Penalty was awarded to Morocco in the 45 min +2. A cross comes into the Colombian box from the left. Jraidi attempts to control and turn down the inside-left channel. Daniela Arias comes across and clumsily skittles her over. The referee points to the spot!
Colombia claim Lahmari had encroached before Chebbak took the penalty, but VAR checks and the goal is good.
Chebbak had sent a well-struck kick towards the bottom right. Perez stretches to save spectacularly. But she can only push out towards Ouzraoui, who rolls back into the centre from the right. Lahmari, arriving late, slams home. What a dramatic end to the first half.
On resumption, Colombia threw the kitchen sink to Morocco but the North Africans absorbed all the heat and were able to grind out a win as Morocco went through at Germany’s expense and becomes the third African country to qualify for the Round of 16. Others Nigeria and South Africa. READ ALSO:
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How it Finished in Group H:
PosTeam P GD Pts
1 Colombia 3 2 6
2 Morocco 3-4 6
3 Germany 3 5 4
4 S/Korea 3 -3 1
Morocco Lineups:
1 Khadija Er-Rmichi
17 Hanane Ait El Haj
3 Nouhaila Benzina
5 Nesryne El Chad
2 Zineb Redouani
19 Sakina Ouzraoui
6 Elodie Nakkach
7 Ghizlane Chebbak
11 Fatima Tagnaout
9 Ibtissam Jraidi
16 Anissa Lahmari
