Morocco becomes first African nation to qualify for World Cup semi-finals

Morocco took out Portugal (1-0) and became the first African nation to qualify for the semi-finals of a World Cup this Saturday, 10 December. African selections had failed at the gates of the semi-finals three times in Football history: Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010).

This 22nd edition of the World Cup, the first organized in an Arab country, Qatar, smiled on the players of Morocco's coach Walid Regragui. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the only goal of the game (42’). Morocco forward Walid Cheddira was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.

Morocco will play against England or France in a semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on December 14. 

Celebrations in Belgium

Two weeks ago, after the Belgium x Morocco match, football showed its "dark side" in Brussels, Liège and Antwerp. There were street clashes between young people, some injuries and confrontations with the police.

The police kept watch in Brussels this Saturday, especially around the Christmas Market. Several metro stations have been closed as precaution measure.

No incidents have been registered so far in Brussels, as in several major Belgian cities (Antwerp, Ghent, Kortrijk...). The Moroccan community came together to support its national team and then to celebrate their historic qualification.

(VIV)

^{Morocco team members throw coach Walid Regragui in the air and celebrate as Morocco qualify for the semi finals on December 10, 2022. ©BELGA PHOTO (REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)}