x

Morocco Makes History As First African Team To Reach World Cup Semi-Final

Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals as Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half goal sealed a tense 1-0 victory over Portugal on Saturday at Al Thumama Stadium.

The Atlas Lions, also the first Arab team to make the last four, added Portugal to their list of European scalps with a resolute second-half performance.

Cristiano Ronaldo has likely played his last World Cup match after making an ineffectual appearance as a second-half substitute, failing to score his first knockout-phase goal at the tournament.

Morocco took a 42nd-minute lead through En-Nesyri’s header as they came on strongly late in the first period.

Portugal piled on the pressure after the break but an injury-hit Morocco, without three of their four first-choice defenders once skipper Romain Saiss was forced off, hung on despite being reduced to 10 men in added time.

The partisan crowd undoubtedly helped the North Africans over the line, although Portugal struggled to create many clear-cut chances as they lost a World Cup quarter-final for the first time.

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was sent on early in the second half by coach Fernando Santos but could not rescue the Euro 2016 winners.

Instead it was another famous day for Morocco, after previous upset wins over Belgium and Spain, on penalties, in Qatar.

Walid Regragui’s men will face England or holders France in the semi-finals at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.

Morocco will believe they can topple either of those sides, having still only conceded once at this World Cup.

Portugal enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening half-hour, but Joao Felix’s fifth-minute diving header, saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, was the closest either side came to an early goal.

Details later…

Hot this week

Anambra Community to Bury Traditional Ruler October 9

The Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area...

DTO Declares for CRUGAA Presidency: “Rebuild the House”

The Crawford University Global Alumni Association (CRUGAA) is preparing...

FG Cancels Independence Parade, Retains Other Anniversary Events

By Francis WilfredABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has...

Nigeria Commences First Ever Measles ,Rubella Immunization Campaign, Oct. 6

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe federal government is set to launch...

Bishop Adegbite Names Fintiri as Most Pilgrim Friendly Governor

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe Executive Secretary of the Nigerian...

Clean Up Abuja: Wike Reiterates Commitment to Waste Management

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe FCT Minister, Barr. Nysome...

Good Road Network Attracting Investors to FCT – Wike

... Investors to Replicate Dubai City Walk in AbujaBy...

Emir of Zazzau Faces Two Defamation Suits Over Radio Interview

...Court to Hear Case November 4By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe...

Tinubu, Mutfwang, Akpabio, and Other Dignitaries Honour APC Chairman’s Mother at Jos Funeral

By Israel Adamu, JosPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Plateau State...

How l became a consultant inside Kaduna Prison – Journalist Idibia

MY STORYBy Idibia GabrielIt is Interesting but hazardous to...

RCCG Pastor Urges Men to Embrace Physical Exercise for Greater Productivity

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed...

“How I Became a Consultant Inside Kaduna Prison” — Journalist Idibia Recounts Ordeal

By Idibia Gabriel, KadunaJournalist Idibia Gabriel has shared a...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img