Morocco secured a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday after defeating Canada 3-0, sparking jubilant celebrations among thousands of supporters gathered in the capital, Rabat.
Fans packed a stadium in the Moroccan capital to watch the Round of 16 clash on a giant screen as the match unfolded in Houston, United States. The final whistle triggered scenes of celebration, with supporters chanting, waving national flags and expressing confidence that the Atlas Lions can continue their historic run.
Morocco endured a difficult opening period but gradually took control of the contest, producing a commanding second-half performance.
Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi scored twice to give the North African side the advantage before Soufiane Rahimi sealed the victory with a late goal.
The result makes Morocco the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on more than one occasion, further cementing the country’s growing reputation on the global football stage.
Speaking after the match, supporter Mustapha Bouhia expressed optimism about Morocco’s chances, saying the team would also overcome France and go on to win the tournament.
Another fan, Abdellah Bensouda, described the performance as impressive despite early nervous moments, adding that the team’s journey was only just beginning.
Morocco will now face France in the quarter-finals in Boston next Thursday. While the French enter the encounter as one of the tournament favourites, the Atlas Lions will be hoping to continue their remarkable campaign and create another World Cup upset.
