Morocco Keeps Africa’s Flag Flying

The Atlas Lions of Morocco last night continued their impressive performance at the Qatar 2022 World Cup after stinging Spain out of the Mundial to keep Africa’s flag flying at the championships. After a barren scoreline at the end of regulation and extra time, goalkeeper Bono and Achraf Hakimi combined to emerge heroes of the momentous victory. While Bono shut out Spain’s first three kicks, Hakimi scored his side’s fourth kick to ensure a 3-0 shoot out victory over the one- time winners.
Spain hogged the ball and Morocco sat back plugging the gaps, with very few clear-cut chances being created.
Luis Enrique’s side came closest to breaking the deadlock courtesy of Dani Olmo, who struck an arrowed drive from the angle which Bounou pushed away and the goalkeeper also did brilliantly well to keep out Olmo’s dangerous free-kick late on.
Morocco were playing on the counter and should have scored in the opening period but Nayef Aguerd sent his unmarked header over, while their only shot on target came via Noussair Mazraoui’s long-range drive which was gathered by Unai Simon.
With the sides not being able to be separated, the game went into extra time and substitute Walid Cheddira had Morocco’s best chance but scuffed his shot straight at Simon from eight yards out.
Spain notched over 1,000 passes in the contest and almost won it in the 123rd minute, but Pablo Sarabia’s volley agonisingly flicked the outside of the far post.

By: Gabriel Nwanetanya