By Victor Kanayo
Two days after Senegal made it to the last 16, Morocco became the second African country to reach the knockout stage of the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar after they beat Canada.
Their classic victory pushed them to top Group F, and they have now qualified for the last 16 phase for the first time in 36 years.
The Atlas Lions, whose previous trip to the last 16 came in 1986, finished above 2018 finalists Croatia, while Belgium – ranked second in the world – are out after finishing third in the group.
A tough test awaits in the next round against the team that finishes second in Group E, which could potentially be Spain or Germany.
Morocco went ahead after just four minutes courtesy of a goalkeeping howler from Milan Borjan.
The Canada keeper sprinted out of his goal but passed the ball straight to Ziyech, who lofted a cool finish into an open net from 30 yards.
The north African side doubled their advantage through Youssef En-Nesyri’s well-taken goal as he controlled Achraf Hakimi’s superb pass before firing in.
But sloppy defending gave Canada a route back into the game when West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd stuck a boot out to divert the ball into his own net – the 100th goal scored at this World Cup.
Knowing if they avoided defeat they would go through, Morocco were happy to sit back and soak up pressure in the second period.
But Atiba Hutchinson came close with a header that rattled the crossbar and dropped down onto the line as Canada’s campaign ended without a point.
However, the Belgian side, who finished third in Russia four years ago, had a disappointing tournament with just one win in three matches.
They produced another lacklustre display against Croatia despite knowing a win was necessary to progress to the last 16.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku had numerous chances in the second half but failed to convert any of them.
