By Izuchukwu Okosi
African champions Morocco became the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada as they beat co-hosts Canada 3-0 Saturday evening at the Houston Stadium filled with 68,777 spectators.
Canada began the game in stronger fashion and went close to scoring a couple of times with the duo of Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi the most dangerous threats to the Atlas Lions.
Canada had 32 touches of the ball in the opposition box while Morocco had just 10.Morocco’s goalkeeper Yonou Bonou who made three key saves in 90 minutes was instrumental in denying the Canadians the chance to score in the first half.
The game was filled with tension as English referee Michael Oliver dished out seven yellow cards – four for Canada and three for Morocco. Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi put the Atlas Lions ahead five minutes into the game with a Soufiane Rahimi goal late in the game sandwiching his second goal eight minutes from time.
Morocco will face the winner of the Fra ce versus Paraguay game.
