Morocco Sets New African World Cup Record by Defeating Netherlands on Penalties
Morocco continued their impressive FIFA World Cup run on Tuesday, overcoming the Netherlands in a penalty shoot‑out to book a place in the Round of 16 and rewrite African football history.
Match Highlights
The clash ended 1‑1 after extra time, sending the game to spot‑kicks. Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead in the 72nd minute, but Issa Diop’s late header forced extra time and kept Morocco alive.
Both sides missed two penalties each. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the decisive stop against Crysencio Summerville, before Ismael Saibari calmly converted the winning kick to seal a 3‑2 shootout triumph.
Historic Achievement
The win marks Morocco’s third World Cup knockout victory, equalling the combined total achieved by every other African nation in tournament history, according to Opta. Prior to this run, only Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) had secured knockout wins for Africa.
Statistical Edge
Opta also reported that Morocco enjoyed 70 % possession during open play against the Netherlands – the highest share ever recorded by an African side in a World Cup knockout match since data collection began in 1966.
Road Ahead
Currently seventh in the FIFA world rankings, the Atlas Lions will face co‑hosts Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday. Under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who took over only months ago, Morocco aims to build on the legacy left by Walid Regragui’s semi‑final run in 2022 and extend their historic World Cup campaign.
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