World Cup

'Morocco made Africa proud, World Cup is coming home' - Fans after Atlas Lions stun Spain

Dennis Mabuka
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The North Africans caused another upset after defeating the 2010 world champions to storm into the last eight at the global competition

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.

Editors' Picks

  1. World Cup is coming home
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    World Cup is coming home

    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

  2. Morocco the pride of Africa
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    Morocco the pride of Africa

    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

  4. Two Lions out, one Lion standing
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    Two Lions out, one Lion standing

    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

  5. Morocco caused a major upset
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    Morocco caused a major upset

    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

  7. Morocco showed character
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    Morocco showed character

    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

  8. Return of Ziyech is good news
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    Return of Ziyech is good news

    I have always believed in this team... Morocco bringing Hakim Ziyech back is the best thing to happen to them. - Nwachukwu Samuel

  9. Regragui is a great leader
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    Regragui is a great leader

    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

  10. Bounou was superb
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    Bounou was superb

    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

  12. Morocco will reach the semis
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    Morocco will reach the semis

    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

  13. Nigeria have you seen Morocco?
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    Nigeria have you seen Morocco?

    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