Morocco has shocked Belgium, the second-best FIFA-ranked team in the world. The Moroccan’s played to a goalless draw in their first game and needed to pick up three points against the Belgium’s to stay in contention in Group F. One of the best talents to have ever graced the field of play, Nigeria’s Jay-Jay Okocha, stated that this was a well-deserved win for Morocco and one that has made Africa proud.
“They have gone on to make us proud because it’s a well-deserved win today. What I love about this team is that after they scored, they managed the game. The way they defended in numbers and the way they took on the responsibility to make sure that this Belgium team does not get anything against them was excellent. I am overwhelmed with joy, and we have to say congratulations to Morocco,” said the Okocha on SuperSport.
Despite, having difficulties breaking down the Belgians in normal play, the Atlas Lions set pieces started to cause problems for the Belgium’s.
In the second half, the Moroccans continued to apply pressure from their set pieces. In the 73rd minute, from a Morocco set piece, substitute Abdelhamid Sabiri whipped a beautiful ball to the near post to find Romain Saiss, and Thibaut Courtois was found wanting as the ball found the back of the net.
Player of the match Ziyech began again to cause mayhem on the left flank. In the last minute of the second half, he provided an assist to Aboukhlah who found the back of the net to make it 2-0 to Morocco.
Belgium recorded its first-ever defeat against an African nation in the history of the FIFA World Cup and that will give a huge boost to the Moroccans as they prepare to face Canada.
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