By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Debutants Morocco advanced to the knockout phase of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after they defeated Colombia 1-0.
The Atlas Lionesses made history as the first African team to win two successive FIFA Women’s World Cup matches and the first to keep successive clean sheets.
The North Africans were thrashed 6-0 by two-time champions Germany in their first game but bounced back in a remarkable fashion to seal a place in the Round of 16.
Germany crashed out after they were held to 1-1 draw by the already eliminated South Korea.
Anissa Lahmari netted the winning goal for Morocco moments before the break.
Reynald Pedros’ side were awarded a penalty after Ibtissam Jraidi was bundled inside the area.
Ghizlane Chebbak saw the subsequent penalty saved, but Lahmari was in the right place to poke home the rebound. READ ALSO:
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The Atlas Lionesses joined two other African teams, Nigeria and South Africa in the Round 16.
It’s the first time in the history of the competition that three African teams will make it to the knockout round.
