Magical Morocco join Nigeria’s Super Falcons, South Africa in R16 after sending Germany out of the World Cup

The Atlas Lionesses are through to the knockout round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in only their first appearance at the Mundial

Morocco have made it to the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after beating Colombia 1-0 in their last group match at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Thursday.

Anissa Lahmari scored on the rebound in first-half stoppage-time after Ghizlane Chebbak had her penalty saved.

It is the second win for the Moroccans at the Mundial after they defeated Korea Republic 1-0 on matchday two. It is the first time any African team will win two games at the Women’s World Cup since Nigeria’s Super Falcons achieved the feat in 1999.

It is a remarkable turnaround for Morocco, who suffered a heavy 6-0 loss to Germany in their first match at the Mundial.

Their latest win, however, sees the North Africans overtake Germany to finish as runners-up in Group H behind leaders Colombia.

Germany, who lost 2-1 to Colombia on matchday two, needed to beat Korea also on Thursday to confirm their place in the knockout rounds.

But the two-time world champions could only manage a 1-1 draw with the resilient Asians to exit the World Cup at the group stage unceremoniously.

With their incredible triumph, Morocco join Nigeria and South Africa in the Round of 16.

It is the first time in history that three African nations will make it past the group stage at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons finished runners-up in Group B behind co-hosts Australia. South Africa also finished second in Group G, where Sweden were the leaders.

In the last 16, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face England; Morocco will trade tackles with France, while South Africa will lock horns with the Netherlands.