Morocco Set New African World Cup Record After Beating Netherlands

Morocco have set new records for African teams at the FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands on penalties to reach the Round of 16.

The Atlas Lions won the Round of 32 clash 3-2 in the shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time.

The Netherlands took the lead through Cody Gakpo before Issa Diop scored a late equaliser to force extra time.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou then saved Crysencio Summerville’s penalty before Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot kick to seal victory.

According to football statistics platform Opta, the win means Morocco have now progressed from three World Cup knockout matches, matching the combined total achieved by all other African teams in the tournament’s history.

The Atlas Lions also recorded the highest possession by an African team in a World Cup knockout match since records began in 1966, controlling 70 percent of possession against the Netherlands.

Morocco had already made history in 2022 as the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi finals and will now face co hosts Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday.