President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the Morocco national team and the ruler of the country, King Mohammed, for making history at the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In a congratulatory message issued by his spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, on Monday, in Abuja, Buhari lauded the Atlas Lions for becoming the fourth team from an African country to ever qualify for the World Cup quarterfinals.
The team is also the first in Africa to win a place in a semi-final at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
According to Buhari, 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, saying 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.
Morocco first African team to play in semi-final of World Cup
Morocco are the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
On Saturday, Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half header proved to be the winning goal against Portugal.
En-Nesyri profited on a mistake from Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa to head home the historic strike for not only Walid Regragui’s side – but the entire African continent.
Not even the 51st minute introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo – once again left on the bench by his manager Fernando Santos – could inspire a Portugal comeback, as Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar while Goncalo Ramos and Bernardo Silva missed the target from good positions.
Late on, Morocco required heroics from goalkeeper Bono who saved from Joao Felix and Ronaldo while Pepe missed a sitter in the final minute of eight in stoppage time – which also saw substitute striker Walid Cheddira sent off for two quickfire yellow cards.
Morocco’s shock run to the last four – which has seen them beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal and concede just one own goal in five World Cup matches – sets up a semi-final clash with the winner of England and France’s blockbuster quarter-final.
