Morocco will face France at Boston Stadium on Thursday after becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals at successive tournaments. The Atlas Lions secured their place in the last eight with victories over the Netherlands and Canada, setting up a reunion with the side that ended their historic semi-final run in Qatar four years ago.
Swift transition under new leadership
The achievement carries added significance given the upheaval behind the scenes. Manager Mohamed Ouahbi was appointed only in early March following the departure of Walid Regragui, leaving minimal time to impose his methods before the tournament. The Moroccan Football Federation’s faith appears vindicated after the team navigated a difficult first half against Canada to secure progression, having already defeated the Netherlands to top their group.
Casablanca-based journalist Amine El Amri says the victories have transformed public opinion. “The general feeling, amongst Moroccans, is pride and contentment in this team,” he observes. “The main goal before the competition was to reach the quarter-finals, given the context, given the change of manager. I think the victory over the Netherlands cemented the reputation of Ouahbi as a trustworthy coach.”
The French attacking threat
Morocco’s reward is a formidable examination against the tournament’s most dangerous front three. France deploy Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé together, a combination that has terrorised opposing defences. Former Cameroon goalkeeper Joseph-Antoine Bell, a veteran of three World Cups, believes Morocco’s temperament will be crucial. “Nobody can play against Morocco at the World Cup and say that they are sure to win,” he states. “They can be behind in a game but they will never lose their temper, they will never be out of themselves, they focus and keep playing with confidence that their game will lead them to recovery.”
Contrasting fortunes across the continent
While Morocco have progressed smoothly, the tournament has exposed lingering structural problems elsewhere in African football. Ghana exited at the last 32 stage following defeat by Colombia, having played only twice under Carlos Queiroz before the competition began. Captain Jordan Ayew was candid about the tactical difficulties. “You can’t do that in one month or two months,” he said. “Football doesn’t work like that. Defensively, we were better. But we fell a bit short offensively.”
Queiroz reinforced the point in his farewell message, warning that “the future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch” and insisting that “success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana’s extraordinary football talent.”
Senegal’s campaign ended in more painful circumstances. The Lions of Teranga led Belgium 2-0 entering the 86th minute of their last 32 tie, only to concede three times and lose 3-2. Sunday Oliseh, the former Nigeria captain, lamented the collapse. “The only consolation was that we were naive and new to the trade,” he said, referencing his own 1994 World Cup experience. “But for it to happen now, with the experience our players in Africa have and knowing how teams close up shop, when they are 1-0 or 2-0 up, it’s worse.”
With Egypt also eliminated despite a heroic performance against Argentina, Morocco bear the continent’s hopes alone. For Bell, the path to a first African World Cup title runs through administrative reform. “I think we are getting closer and closer to winning a World Cup,” he says. “But if we are serious, we need to have three or four countries in the quarter-finals.”