Debutants Morocco have secured qualification into the last 16 of the 2023 FOFA Women’s World Cup after defeating Colombia 1-0 on Thursday.
Anissa Lahmari scored the only goal of the match in the 45th minute. The goal came from a rebound after captain Ghizlane Chebbak’s penalty was saved.
After losing their first game by 6-0 to Germany, the North African ladies bounced back with impressive wins against South Korea and Colombia to seal a historic Round of 16 qualification on their first-ever appearance at the world cup.
Colombia progressed as Group H winners on 6 point with a superior goal difference over second-placed Morocco. World number two ranked Germany finished third on 4 points and are eliminated after their failure to defeat South Korea in a 1-1 draw.
Morocco’s victory means it would be the first time three African teams will progress from the group stage as the Moroccans join Nigeria and South Africa to secure a historic second-round berth.
The stellar run for the African teams continues as three of the four representatives made it to the second round with the exception of Zambia.
Morocco will play France in the round of 16 on Tuesday August 8.
Round of 16 fixtures:
Switzerland vs Spain – Saturday
Japan vs Norway – Saturday,
Netherlands vs South Africa – Sunday
Sweden vs United States – Sunday
England vs Nigeria – Monday
Australia vs Denmark – Monday
Colombia vs Jamaica – Tuesday
France vs Morocco – Tuesday
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