Morocco Upset Colombia 1-0 To Clinch Last 16 Ticket

Morocco silenced critics by defeating Colombia to advance in the ongoing Women’s World Cup to advance to the Round of 16 while former World Champions, Germany and South Korea crashed out of the tournament after playing out a 1-1 draw in the last Group H encounter on Thursday.

With their impressive showing, the Atlas Lionesses made it three African qualifiers for the Last-16 stage of the global carnival following in the stead of Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Bayana Bayana of South Africa who are the two other continent’s representatives in the round

The Atlas Lionesses, who started the match on a high inside the HBF Park in Perth, Australia, defied all odds to beat their  South American counterparts 1-0 as they pushed forward with every opportunity that came their way

Colombia gave as much as they received, trying to get an early goal to destabilize their opponent and stand a chance of winning their third match in the group.

When it seemed both teams will head to the break still tied 0-0, the South Americans gave away a penalty much to the delight of the Moroccan supporters.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak rose to the occasion, but the Powerpuff Girls’ keeper Catalina Perez kept the ball out. The rebound, however, fell to Sakina Ouzraoui who passed it to the advancing Anissa Lahmari. The latter did well to hit the target to score what turned out the only goal of the match.

Colombia had decent chances after the break, but excellent goalkeeping from Khadija Errmichi and a bit of luck ensured the Atlas Lionesses seal their place in the last 16.

The win for Morocco completes an impressive turn-around after their opening 6-0 loss against Germany. The Atlas Lionesses finish as runners-up in Group H having won two games; Colombia top the pool despite the loss, as Germany and South Korea crashed out.

The two nations played to a 1-1 draw in a match played at Brisbane Stadium. Morocco now join Nigeria and South Africa in the knockout phase.

Germany are undoubtedly the biggest losers having started the competition on a high, many expected them to advance, but the loss against Colombia and Thursday’s draw have worked against them.

Morocco will now play France in the knockout phase on Tuesday at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide while Colombia will face Jamaica in the round of 16.