Morocco played on the counter for majority of the encounter and had Cheddira sent off in the additional time but held on to win the game
By Kehinde Okeowo
Morocco became the first African nation to qualify for the semi-finals of a World Cup after beating Portugal by a lone goal in a game played at the Al Thumama Stadium, Doha on Saturday afternoon.
The Atlas Lions scored the only goal of the match in the 42nd minute when Youssef En-Nesyri leaped highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball and headed it home after an assist from Yahia Attiyat Allah.
Portugal skipper Bruno Fernandes came agonisingly close to levelling the scores just minutes later but his brilliant individual effort struck the crossbar.
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The Portuguese coach later brought Christiano Ronaldo on in the 50th minute but he was unable to drag his side back into the contest.
Decimated by injuries, Morocco sat back for the majority of the second half and Yassine Bounou brilliantly tipped over Joao Felix’s drive – the closest they came to an equaliser.
Morocco continued to play on the counter even when striker, Walid Cheddira was sent off for a second yellow card in eight minutes of additional time but they held on to win the game.
With the win, the North African side will now play the winner of the quarter final game between France and England in the semi-final on Wednesday.
