Following a catastrophic 6-0 loss in their debut World Cup campaign against Germany, Morocco responded with a 1-0 victory over the Korea Republic last time out to keep their hopes alive.
With a place in the last 16 up for grabs against Colombia, the Atlas Lionesses knew a victory against the South Americans and a draw in the other fixture between Germany and South Korea was going to be enough.
Morocco scored at the end of the first stanza following a penalty. Ghizlane Chebbak stepped up but missed the decisive penalty following a save from Catalina Perez. However, Ouzraoui was the quickest to react, sending an effort toward a goal that was partially blocked before Anissa Lahmari scored the only goal of the game which was enough for the North Africans.
Columbia came out guns blazing in the second stanza but couldn’t quite find the leveler.
The South Americans went close in the 77th minute, Ramirez’s effort hit the outside of the post and went wide. Nesryne El Chad and Khadija Er-Rmichi did just about enough to deny her a clear-cut chance.
Morocco’s defensive display was enough to warrant them a place in the last 16 under unusual circumstances. Their historic victory caused a massive upset as second-best ranked, Germany were eliminated for the first ever in the group stage following their 1-1 draw with South Korea.
Morocco set records as Africa ends knockout stage drought
Ranked 72 in the world Morocco become the lowest-ranked team to make it to the knockout stage of the competition.
The Atlas Lionesses have also become only the second debutant after Cameroon to advance to the knockout phase as a top-two finisher in their group.
This will also be the first time ever, Africa will have three teams in the knockout stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Morocco will face France, Nigeria will square off with England and African Champions South Africa will clash with the Nerthalnds.
