W’cup:10 men Morocco stun Portugal to advance as first African semi-finalist

Morocco has made history as the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-final stage at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Portugal dominated possession to the tune of more than 60% in the first half, but the Atlas Lions had more attempts at goal and finally found the back of the net in the 42nd minute.

The Atlas Lion scored the only goal of the encounter through Youssef En-Nesyri’s header, with the striker netting his second goal of Qatar 2022 and third World Cup goal overall.

Portugal had the better chances in the early exchanges with Joao Felix seeing a flying header saved before having a shot deflected agonizingly wide of the top corner.

Morocco settled in thereafter and kept grafting towards attack before taking the lead minutes before half-time through En-Neyseri.

Morocco advanced into the semi-final stage for the first time in their World Cup history. They also become the first African nation to reach the last-four stage of the World Cup.

Portugal’s coach Fernando Santo left star man Cristiano Ronaldo for the second match running but was introduced early in the second half as they pile up the pressure on the Morroco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Morocco is the first Arab nation to advance to a World Cup quarterfinal — and they’ve done so in the first tournament hosted in an Arab nation and are now the first African team to reach the semifinal of a world cup.

Ghana came close to breaking the semi-final duck in 2010 but ultimately lost to Uruguay.

Ghana put in such good performances that they were starting to make people believe. Having qualified from a group that contained Germany, Serbia, and Australia, the Black Stars dispatched the USA in the round of 16 but lost on penalties to Uruguay

Morocco are set to clash with the winners of England/France later today.