Morocco break Africa’s World Cup jinx, stun Portugal

Victorious Atlas Lions of Morocco players and officials celebrate their win over Portugal.

• Become First African Team To Reach WC Semi-finals Morocco extended their dream run at the World Cup as they out-thought and out-fought Portugal in a stunning 1-0 win to become the first-ever African country to reach the semi-finals thanks to a towering headed goal from Youssef En-Nesyri.

En-Nesyri leapt high in the air to head home the game’s only goal just before half-time at the Al-Thumama Stadium to strike a significant blow against football’s established order and book a semi-final on Wednesday.

Morocco had already beaten Belgium and Spain in this tournament but the win over Portugal yesterday was nothing short of remarkable. It was also one of their better performances in Qatar so far, full of determined defending and keeping at bay a collection of world stars despite losing key defender, Nayef Aguerd to injury before the match and his back four partner and captain, Romain Saiss early in the second half.

Portugal, who was a clear favourite, will rue this loss more especially as it is a disappointing curtain call for the 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who was hoping to add a win here to end an illustrious international career.

A fourth-minute free kick for Portugal from wide on the right was swung into the penalty area, and met by Joao Felix’s diving header, producing a fine save from Yassine Bounou, but the supply quickly dried up thereafter as Morocco closed the passing lanes and frustrated the Portuguese attackers.

Left back, Yahya Attiat-Allah made several surging runs down the flank, presenting Selim Amallah with a good chance in the 35th minute, which he was unable to convert. But seven minutes later, a high ball from the