Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup as Youssef En-Nesyri’s first-half winner added Portugal to the list of shocked teams in Qatar.
Striker En-Nesyri profited on a mistake from Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa to head home the historic strike for not only Walid Regragui’s side – but the entire African continent.
En-Nesyri profited from Diogo Costa’s error in the Portugal goal
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.
Late on, 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 the winner of England and France’s blockbuster quarter-final.
By Brian Mboh