Morocco in the round of 16, a first since 1986

“My goal is the African Cup of Nations. Why lie to the Moroccan people? » Excess of modesty or not, the coach of Morocco, Walid Regragui, did not seem to believe much in his team before this World Cup in Qatar. After having already held a draw against Croatia (0-0), then having dominated Belgium (2-0), his Atlas Lions definitely proved him wrong on Thursday 1^er December, winning against Canada (2-1). A success synonymous with qualifying for the round of 16 of the World Cup.

Not favorites in a very strong group, the Moroccans finished first and emerged from the group stage of the World Cup for the first time since 1986. It is the second country on the African continent to reach the round of 16, after Senegal qualified on Tuesday – record equaled as in 2014 with Algeria and Nigeria – while waiting for Ghana and Cameroon who, on Friday evening, will try to imitate the Moroccans.

The Atlas Lions only needed a draw against Canada to qualify for the next round. But to avoid any stress, Romain Saïss and his teammates immediately took the lead. From the fourth minute, Hakim Ziyech took advantage of a completely missed recovery from Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan to recover a ball against the empty goal. Without shaking, the Chelsea midfielder placed a stung ball.

Canada ends with three losses

Already eliminated before this Morocco-Canada, the Canucks doubtless dreamed of a more favorable start to the match to grab a first point in the group standings. And the following minutes were not more favorable to John Herdman’s men. Completely disorganized and unable to get the ball out of their part of the field, they logically conceded a second goal, by Youssef En-Nesyri (24^e).

But the Canadians did not crumble. Just before half-time, they manage to reduce the score on a cross from Sam Adekugbe deflected into his own goal by defender Nayef Aguerd (44^e). A lucky achievement, against the run of play, the Canucks not having framed a single strike in the first period!

Reinvigorated by this unexpected goal, they multiply the attacks on the goal of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the second act. But lack success, like this header from Atiba Hutchinson (71^e), who hits the bar and then crashes over the goal line. Despite a good performance, the players from the country with the maple leaf finish with three losses in as many games. For their part, the Moroccans will face, Tuesday, December 6, at 4 p.m., in the round of 16 the second in group H (composed of Spain, Germany, Japan and Costa Rica).