Supporters in Africa believe Morocco have the capacity to go all the way and clinch the 2022 Fifa World Cup trophy after defeating Spain 3-0 on penalties on Tuesday, to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in history.
The Atlas Lions' incredible journey in the global competition continued after they managed to keep the 2010 world champions at bay for 90 minutes and added time, forcing the Round of 16 fixture at the Education City Stadium to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero for the North Africans, saving from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets while Pablo Sarabia hit the post. Meanwhile, Abdelhamid Sabiri, Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi scored for Morocco.
Morocco topped Group F with seven points to reach the knockout stage. After a 0-0 opening draw against Croatia, they recovered to stun Belgium 2-0 and then defeat Canada 2-1.
With Portugal the next opponent in the quarters at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday, their overall display has left African fans on social media with high hopes that coach Walid Regragui's side can do the business in the Gulf country.
Morocco 🇲🇦 has made Africa proud and the World trophy is coming home. Playing against Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Juventus, and Arsenal and surviving 150 minutes is not a joke. - Fairuz Nahar
Morocco is the pride of Africa in this competition. Honestly, I am happy. Congratulations to them all! - Anakor Tony
Well done 🇲🇦! You're making Africa proud! Much love 🇿🇲 - Nawa Kanyama
All the best Morocco🇲🇦…Africa is still well represented…Africa is proud of you👏🏽 - Yakubu Etrue Shuaib
Morocco are the best African team at the moment, making Africa proud 💯 So much ❤️❤️❤️🇳🇬 - Dusu David T Taddy
Congratulations to Morocco... you guys deserved your spot in the quarter finals and made Africa very proud. - Rimala Krishnan
Indomitable Lions failed, Lions of Teranga failed but the Atlas Lions went through to create history🦁 - Naphtali Hga
Congratulations to Morocco, what other African countries cannot do, Morocco did it with style. - Nina Ndubuisi Kelvin
The whole of Africa must learn football from Morocco!! Absolute world class!! - Mazi Emmanuel Obisue
Morocco have caused one of the greatest upsets of the World Cup. Spain can't believe what has hit them, their knees are weak, hence buckling and wobbling off the pitch. Spanish supporters are seen wrackling!!! The game was tantalizing, thrilling, mesmerizing, nail biting and eye catching.
We said it from the onset, underestimate any team at your own peril. Records are being broken and created. If you have not been watching this World Cup, then you are really missing out. - Brian Giovanni Kayuni
They sucked the pressure up until it reached the lottery of penalties. This is how you win the game. They showed character and never lost focus. They are in the quarter-finals and Bono stood in between, he was the difference between the sticks. Well done 👌👌 - Emel Mhlengwe
Took the game plan from their manager into their hearts, stuck to it until the very last moment of the game. That calls for a standing ovation...🙌🙌 - Dionis Germain
I have always believed in this team... Morocco bringing Hakim Ziyech back is the best thing to happen to them. - Nwachukwu Samuel
Atlas Lions, Power is our football game!. Walid Regragui is a great leader with a very positive and motivating style leading to victory - Danielle Tobias
What a man, what a coach, what a father. We are proud of you sir!! - Nyam Fidelis
Ghana needs such coaches not people like Otto Addo - Cephas Atteh
Good manager, good subs, good timing, making the players die for him 🎵🎵⚽🔥 - Kwabena Ahenkorah
Congratulations🎊 !! The goalkeeper makes us happy and we're proud of you . I give a high five to the goal keeper. - Katenga Naffy Kavara
Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳 Bounou, you carried Africa on your shoulders, you made Africa proud 👏 ❤ 😍 💖 - Mydee Eyeson
That's what I call individual brilliance... when you match pace, power, aerial duels, concentration, technique and strength with your opponent... you need individual brilliance... Yassine Bounou!!!!... produced that ...💯✌️✌️🔥. - Samuel Wilberforce
I believe Morocco will be the first African country to reach the semis and maybe to the final because their style of football is quite difficult to beat. - Litt Carlos
Morocco is organised from goalkeeper,defence mid and strikers but look at how Our real Africa Teams conceded easy Ghana,Senegal cameroon... we need to learn... make your backline and midfield strong. - Anold Juma
Nigeria, hope you've seen what Morocco has just done. Stop shouting in support of Morocco and work hard to reach your own quarter-finals. Morocco is making Africa proud now. - Niba Klif
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