Morocco have reached the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in their debut campaign, following a 1-0 win over Colombia in Perth.
Anissa Lahmari’s goal at the end of the first half proved to be enough to see the Atlas Lionesses’ finish second in Group H, after Germany were held to 1-1 draw with South Korea.
They join fellow African nations South Africa and Nigeria in the knockout stages of the tournament.
“We are extremely proud to represent Morocco in the Round of 16,” head coach Reynald Pedros said in his post-match press conference.
“Getting six points in the World Cup is exceptional, and then we knew we still needed to rely on other results.
“We had to be patient, work hard, and we had to be disciplined to get what we wanted. This today was exceptional.”
Pedros made just one change to the team that beat South Korea 2-0 to give the Atlas Lionesses hope of qualifying for the knockout stages, as Lahmari replaced Salma Amani in midfield. With Linda Caicedo fit enough to start the match despite suffering from fatigue from the first two matches, Nelson Abadia also opted to make just one change to his team, bringing Leicy Santos back into the starting XI after she was given a role off the bench against Germany.
Despite the raucous atmosphere created by the Colombians, it was Morocco who were first to get a meaningful chance. Ibtissam Jraidi was played into the penalty area, albeit slightly wide, before driving towards the near post and getting a shot away, which required Catalina Perez to punch behind for an early corner.
Caicedo’s first involvement was to thread the ball into the path of Lorena Bedoya Durango, who in turn found the run of Mayra Ramirez. Under close attention from Nesryne El Chad, she too was forced wide, and her shot was rifled into the side-netting.
But no less than a minute later and Morocco had forced Perez into another strong save. Jraidi again with the effort, this time off her head towards the far post, but the Avai FC goalkeeper caught the ball with both hands.
Colombia then had the best chance of the match so far. Caicedo again the creator, this time with a cross from the right wing that sailed over the Moroccan defence and onto Santos’ head. She struggled to get over the ball, and her effort looped over the crossbar.
Deep into first half stoppage time, Jraidi was felled on the edge of the six-yard box by Bedoya Durango, and suddenly Morocco found themselves with a golden opportunity to take the lead.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak was given the responsibility to take, but Perez guessed correctly to save. Both teams swarmed towards the loose ball, but in the end, it was Lahmari who managed to scramble the ball in from close range.
In the second half, Colombia pushed for an equaliser. Caicedo’s cross found its way through to Ramirez, who took a touch before shooting low. The outstretched toe of Khadija Er-Rmichi kept the ball out before Catalina Usme had a shot from the top of the box that flashed narrowly wide of the post.
A slip from Nouhaila Benzia handed Ramirez another clear chance, striding in from the right-hand side. This time she tried to beat Er-Rmichi at her near post, but the ball cannoned off the woodwork and behind to safety.
Morocco put players behind the ball and were able to hold on to the win. Premature celebrations were quickly nipped in the bud by journalists alerting the team that Germany were still playing against South Korea.
“On the pitch we were with the staff watching on a phone,” Lahmari – who was the official player of the match – said in her post-match press conference.
“Then we were all praying, waiting for the result. Then it was a complete explosion of joy.”
Ahead of the tournament, only three debuting teams had managed to reach the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup in the 21st century, which highlights just how great a feat Morocco’s success is.
“We are delighted, we are so happy,” Lahmari continued.
“Our emotions are pretty high and will continue to run high this evening.
“We dedicate this victory to the Moroccan people and the King of Morocco, and we are delighted to give this to the Moroccan people as we have worked together towards this common goal.”
Pedros added that he is proud to be able to bring success to Morocco with his team.
“This is a showcase of the women’s game for Moroccans back home, and we are putting on a beautiful display.
“The players are doubling their efforts. Why? Because they love this country.”
The Atlas Lionesses will now head to Adelaide to face France, who are managed by former Atlas Lions head coach Herve Renard. Pedros was capped 25 times for his home nation and having coached a number of the national team players during his time at Lyon, he is under no illusion that it will be a difficult match.
“I know the players of the French team very well, but it is strong team with high level players and great experience.
“It will be a difficult game to play. Right now I don’t have a plan yet, but that is for tomorrow, because tonight was so special.
“But our objective is not to stop now. We have to go further.”
