Morocco vs Colombia: Atlas Lionesses make FIFAWWC history to knock Germany out

Morocco will continue their historic run at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC, following a hard-fought win against Colombia.

The Atlas Lionesses have reached the round of 16 in their debut World Cup after a narrow 1-0 win over Colombia during their final game in the group stage on Thursday. 

Anissa Lahmari was the heroine of the day after she netted the decisive goal from a rebound following Ghizane Chebbak’s penalty miss. 

The North Africans, who are the second lowest-ranked team left at the FIFAWWC, have made it out of Group H in stunning fashion. 

Morocco needed a win against Colombia, who had all but confirmed their place in the next round heading into the final game of the group stage. 

The Atlas Lionesses held off an unbeaten Colombia side led by the brilliant Linda Caicedo to take all three points to knock out favourites Germany thanks to Anissa's goal.

It was a decisive game for these two, Morocco needed three points to progress as long as Germany failed to beat South Korea while Colombia looked to finish as group winners.

The Colombians started on the front foot and dominated the game but could not turn their dominance into goals. 

With half-time approaching, Morocco were handed a lifeline when the referee awarded them a penalty after Ibtissam Jraidi was pushed by a clumsy Carolina Arias in the box.

Record scorer, Chebbak stepped up to the plate but watched her spot kick saved by the Colombian goalkeeper Perez. 

However, Anissa reacted the quickest to tuck home the rebound to give Morocco the lead at the break.

In the second half, both sides tried to add to the scoreline but the Lionesses held on for the historic win.

With the result, Morocco and Colombia progress to the knockout stage while Germany will be heading home.

The Atlas Lionesses become the third Africa nation out of four to qualify to the round of 16.