In a historic feat that has reverberated positively in the continent, Morocco became the first-ever African team to reach the semi-final at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after beating Portugal 1-0 in quarter-final.
Yousseff En-Nesyri was the hero as his first-half goal was enough to end Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of winning the most prestigious cup.
Speaking after the historic feat, Coach Walid Regragui said his team defeated Portugal at the Al Thumama Stadium because of ‘hard work’.
“When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa because of his hard work and commitment and I think we’re the Rocky Balboa of this World Cup”.
“We are becoming the team that everyone loves at this World Cup because we are showing that even if you don’t have as much talent, if you show that desire, heart and belief, you can achieve.
“I am sure many of you will say this is a miracle, but we have won without conceding against Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, and that’s the result of hard work.”
He added, “We can dream, why shouldn’t we dream about winning the World Cup?”
Morocco’s historic feat has continued to draw applauses across the continent. President of Africa’s giant Muhammadu Buhari congratulated the Moroccan World Cup team, the Atlas Lions, and the ruler of the country, King Mohammed the VI on making history by becoming the fourth team from an African country to ever qualify for the World Cup quarterfinals, and the first to win a place in a semi-final at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
In statement by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President said Morocco has made the entire continent proud with their grit and dexterity, giving hope that an African team can indeed win, and should win the ongoing global championship in Qatar.
Buhari commended the team for their skill and teamwork, noting at the same time that this could not have been achieved without the exemplary role of the Moroccan authorities in putting together a formidable team.
Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) all reached the quarter-finals but got no further.
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