Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has urged African countries learn from Morocco following their remarkable run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to qualify for the last four of the global showpiece, however they lost to the defending champions, France.
Morocco lost again to Croatia who clinched a play-off victory on Saturday. Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead on seven minutes but Achraf Dari levelled just two minutes later. Mislav Orsic restored Crotia's lead three minutes before half-time.
Morocco has “opened the door and made us proud,” the CAF president said.
Morocco’s success in Qatar was “not by coincidence,” he said, adding: "Many African countries should learn from Morocco and be inspired by their investments."
The Atlas Lions received a hero homecoming celebration when they came back from Qatar on Tuesday and upon the team's arrival in Rabat, thousands of fans lined the capital's streets to welcome their national heroes.