World Cup debutants Morocco have qualified for their first-ever World Cup knockout match stage after beating Columbia 1-0 in a cagey encounter at the Perth Stadium in Australia.
Colombia also qualified as group winners having ended with a superior goal difference to Morocco.
Morocco went into their game against Colombia needing a win to stand any chance of qualification from the group having lost their tournament opener 6-0 to Germany.
Colombia on the other hand, needed just a point to guarantee them winning the group, having won their first two games against Germany and South Korea.
Morocco took the lead on the verge of halftime after Jraidi was fouled inside the box. Perez saved the ensuing penalty, but could only push the ball towards the on-rushing Ouzraoui who rolled the ball back for Lahmari to slam the ball home for the only goal of the game.
Morocco defended admirably in the second half to see out the game, sealing a first-ever Round of 16 place in their maiden World Cup appearance.
The memorable World Cup run for Africa rages on as three of the four African representatives progressed to the next round.
Morocco will play France in the Round of 16, while South Africa face the Netherlands and Nigeria’s Super Falcons will battle European champions England
