Morocco vs Canada: Morocco qualified for the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in 30 years.
Morocco moved to the top of Group F after defeating Canada thanks to two goals in the first half from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri.
Tajon Buchanan’s far-post opportunity from Cyle Larin’s cross represented Canada’s sole opportunity to break past their opponents in the first half, but they managed to get back into the game via an odd means.
Adekugbe’s left-wing cross flew across the Moroccan box, and Aguerd stuck out a knee to deflect the ball beyond Yassine Bounou at his near post.
In the first half’s last seconds, En-Nesyri had another goal disallowed for offside against the unfortunate Aguerd, but Walid Regragui’s team retreated in the second half, seemingly content to preserve their advantage.
Ismael Kone made an impression from the sidelines for Canada, and Atiba Hutchinson saw a header hit the underside of the crossbar.
Canada, who is playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1986, got a goal before halftime when Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd inadvertently turned Sam Adekugbe’s cross into his own net.
The Canadian team failed to get a point and currently sits in the last place in Group F.
After the final whistle, the players ran into the pitch and put their heads on the group to thank God who made it possible for them to defeat some of the best teams in the World.
The players threw their manager up as he celebrated with them. Fans also celebrated wildly. Some Moroccan players were seen celebrating with their mothers.
Morocco was drawn into a tricky group, and they were written off because of the heavyweight in the group. The North African team took a point from Croatia and defeated World Cup favorite Belgium before today’s victory against Canada.
On the other hand, Canada has automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup as a co-host with Mexico and the United States of America.
The winger was instrumental to the success of the team and already has a goal and an assist. Chelsea fans will be hoping the player continues his form when the Premier League resumes.
Who Won The Man of The Match
Chelsea’s Ziyech won “Man of the Match” after a series of intelligent plays from the winger. This player has struggled to make an impact since he joined Chelsea in 2020 from Ajax and was also banned from his national team, Morocco untill recently.
What Next For Morocco and Canada
Morocco has qualified for the Round of 16 and will wait patiently for the result of Group E to know who they face next.
Canada, which played in the World Cup for the first time, will move on to play against Curacao in the CONCACAF Nations Cup on March 25, 2023.
