The South African football fraternity has reacted to Morocco’s Atlas Lions’ 2022 FIFA World Cup exploits in Qatar.
The reaction follows the Atlas Lions’ beating of Spain 3-0 on post-match penalties on Tuesday evening to send Africa into joy.
In reaction, Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa described Morocco’s feat at the World Cup as unbelievable.
ZAKHELE LEPASA SAYS MOROCCO DID THE UNTHINKABLE
“Morocco do the unthinkable,” Zakhele Lepasa tweeted.
Taking his turn, Mamelodi Sundowns forward Abubeker Nasir could also not contain the joy of the Atlas Lions’ progression to the quarterfinals.
“The Atlas Lions has done it! Morocco,” the Ethiopian striker said.
Taking his turn after Morocco’s quarterfinal qualification, Pirates player Thabiso Moyane tweeted: “Achraf Hakimi. You beauty!”
The Paris Saint Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, born in Spain, Madrid held his nerves to score the decisive penalty that sent the Atlas Lions through.
Former Baroka FC and Swallows coach Dylan Kerr reserved his praise for Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
“Someone asked me what makes a coach? I answered anyone can be a coach. What makes a coach? Someone who inspires players to be the best and want to be the best,” he said.
Kerr was referring to the influence of Regragui on the Atlas Lions squad.
Regragui has since become the first coach from the continent to take an African team to the World Cup quarterfinals.
ATLAS LIONS KEEPER HERO AFTER SAVING PENALTIES
Morocco beat Spain on post-match penalties after the gruelling round-of-16 match ended goalless in 90 minutes and even the lottery of penalties.
The Atlas Lions held their nerves and converted most of their penalties save for one.
Morocco defender Hakimi converted the last and decisive penalty.
Spain missed two penalties including from Sergio Busquets who had his attempt saved by the impressive Morocco keeper Bono.
Pabro Sarabia for Spain also fluffed his penalty.
The Morocco keeper also stopped Carlos Soler’s attempt for Spain.
Morocco are the only surviving African team at the ongoing tournament following the elimination of Ghana, Cameroon, Tunisia and Senegal.
The Atlas Lions have since booked their place in the quarterfinals and date Portugal.
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