Rabat, Morocco – Morocco made history on Saturday, December 10 after becoming the first ever African team to reach the World Cup semifinals stage.
Also known as The Atlas Lions, the team progressed through the Quarters after beating Portugal 1-0 at the heightened match at Al Thumama Stadium.
Youssef En-Nesyri scored the only goal just minutes before halftime, even as the Moroccan defense kept a clean sheet once again.
Notably, 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.
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 France.
About 6 years ago, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he hopes Africa gets two more spots at the World Cup if his proposal for the tournament to be expanded to 40 teams goes through.
There are presently 32 finalists for the World Cup with Africa represented by five teams.
“I believe for the 2026 World Cup, we should have 40 teams and out of the additional eight teams we should have at least two more African teams,” Infantino told reporters in Abuja.
“We are discussing this and I hope I will be able to convince everyone as well.”
Infantino who earlier met with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, described him as “a friend of football”.
The FIFA chief said he regards Nigeria as the bedrock for the development of football on the continent.
“I foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa, however infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this happen,” he said.
During his visit, Infantino met with 18 federation presidents across Africa and also attended the final of a national youth tournament.
Nigeria is seen as one of the giants of African football even though its national side, the Super Eagles, failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the second time in succession.