Faith Nyasuguta
Among the nations qualified for the round of 16 of the ongoing Women’s World Cup, three African teams have managed to secure a spot, that is Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco.
Nigeria qualified on July 31 following a 0-0 draw against Ireland, earning a total of five points.
South Africa came from a thrilling 3-2 win against Italy with four points in total.
On Thursday, Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses etched their name in the annals of football history after securing their first-ever qualification for the knockout stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
In a thrilling and competitive match against Colombia, the Moroccan national team showcased their impressive skills and delivered a stunning performance on the field, securing a 1-0 victory.
Despite Colombia’s control over the ball for 60% of the game, Morocco stood tall against all odds. Throughout the first half of the game, Morocco’s solid defensive line left Colombia unable to penetrate their ranks, creating a strong wall of resilience.
The moment of glory came just before halftime, as Morocco’s Anissa Lahmari seized the opportunity and opened the scoring in the 49th minute.
The goal set the tone for the rest of the match, as the Atlas Lionesses displayed an honorable performance at the ongoing tournament, marking their first-ever participation in the prestigious event.
Despite their loss, the Colombian national team has also advanced to the Round of 16 after South Korea and Germany’s game ended in a 1-1 tie. The Latin American team led Group H’s standings, followed by the Atlas Lionesses, with six points each.
The group stage saw a few upsets, with heavy-hitters Germany and Brazil crashing out of the first stage in the tournament.
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