CAF Celebrates Morocco's Historic World Cup Achievement

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) lauded Morocco's historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, highlighting the team's continued success on the global stage. "Atlas Lions" are writing history, CAF stated on its official website, noting Morocco's status as the first African team to reach the quarterfinals in two consecutive World Cups. This follows their groundbreaking performance in the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semifinals.

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The Atlas Lions continue to write history on the world stage.

Despite facing a challenging first half against Canada, where the Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made crucial saves, the team secured a decisive 3-0 victory. Azzedine Ounahi was instrumental, opening the scoring in the 50th minute with a powerful shot and adding a second goal in the 82nd minute from a swift counter-attack. Soufiane Rahimi completed the scoring in added time.

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Morocco became the first African team to reach the quarterfinals in two consecutive World Cups.

Ounahi's brace marked a significant individual achievement, making him the first African player to score two goals in a World Cup knockout match since Henri Camara of Senegal in 2002. The team also extended its winning streak in matches where Ounahi scores. CAF emphasized Morocco's role in carrying African football's hopes, citing the team's strong character and growing experience in handling knockout matches. They now await the winner of the France-Paraguay match in the quarterfinals, continuing their quest for further historical achievements.

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Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a powerful shot after a well-executed free kick, before scoring the second goal in the 82nd minute following a quick counter-attack.