Tournament newcomers Morocco triumphed over Colombia 1-0 to go to the next round on a memorable night of Group H action that saw pre-tournament favorites Germany eliminated.
The Atlas Lionesses started the brighter of the two teams, with more possession and seemed more likely to score. However, clear-cut chances were scarce in the first half.
That was until Ibtissam Jraidi was tripped in the penalty area just before halftime. Ghizlane Chebbak’s penalty was saved, but Anissa Lahmari was in the ideal place to poke in the rebound, giving her country a valuable lead and leapfrogging Germany into second place.
Colombia had many excellent chances to equalize in the second half, but Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi was up to the task as the game approached the 100-minute mark.
The South Americans were unable to find a leveler, allowing Morocco to advance in second place behind Las Cafeteras thanks to Germany’s 1-1 draw with Korea Republic.
– Janet Nana Akua Amankwaa
