Morocco has secured passage into the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after 36 years. They did this after moving past Canada to top Group F of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

It took the Atlas Lion 36 years to achieve this feat after their previous trip to the last 16 came in 1986.

They did in style by finishing above 2018 finalists Croatia, while Belgium – ranked second in the world were knocked out after finishing third in the group.

They will have a tough test to pass in the next round as they come up against 2010 champions Spain on Tuesday next week.

Morocco needed just four minutes to take the lead. They benefitted from a goalkeeping howler from Milan Borjan.

The goalie sprinted out of his goal but passed the ball straight to Hakim Ziyech. The winger utilized the opportunity with a lofty superb finish into an open net from 30 yards.

Ziyech was the provider of the second goal for the north African side. Sevilla striker  Youssef En-Nesyri scored a well-taken goal as he controlled Achraf Hakimi’s superb pass before firing in.

Canada reduced the deficit after sloppy defending gave them a route back into the game. West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd stuck a boot out to divert the ball into his net. Coincidentally, this was the 100th goal scored at this World Cup.

Morocco then sat back and soaked up the pressure in the second period to get the result they wanted. They know that a win will guarantee qualification.

 Atiba Hutchinson came close with a header that would have been the equalizer for Canada, but the ball rattled the crossbar and dropped down onto the line as Canada’s campaign ended without a point.

Written by OLADIPUPO MOJEED