Morocco are through to the Round 16 stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after beating Canada 2-1.
The North Africans on Thursday, December 1, locked horns with the Canadians in the final Group F match of the ongoing mundial in Qatar.
Following a brilliant start to the contest, a Hakim Ziyech strike in the 4th minute propelled Morocco to a deserved early lead.
Taking advantage of the momentum to dominate the play, Morocco scored again in the 23rd minute through a strike from Youssef En-Nesyri to double their lead.
That goal assisted by PSG defender Achraf Hakimi meant that Youssef En-Nesyri has become the first Morocco player to score at two different World Cup tournaments.
Before the break, an own goal from Nayef Aguerd saw Canada netting a consolation.
Unfortunately, they could not complete a comeback in the second half and had to succumb to a 2-1 defeat at the end of the 90 minutes.
History made!!
🇲🇦🦁 For the first time since 1986, the Atlas Lions have escaped the groups! pic.twitter.com/12rJKpYsBK
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 1, 2022
The win sees Morocco finishing top of Group F.
The feat is the first achieved by an African country in the last 24 years. Nigeria Super Eagles were the last African side to top a group after they did so in 1998.