It’s all over at the Perth Rectangle Stadium as Morocco held on for the 1-0 victory to progress to the Women’s World Cup knockout stages (Last 16).

The tournament debutantes Morocco, were resilient in the win against Colombia to reach the tournament knockout phase in a remarkable night of Group H fixtures that has seen pre-tournament favourites Germany knocked out.

A first-half goal from Anissa Lahmari gave Morocco a historic 1-0 win, ensuring that the North Africans made World Cup history. The German’s draw with the Korean Republic sealed passage for the Atlas Lionesses.

Key stat

Against the Korean Republic, Morocco became the first Arab team to win a match in tournament history. They have now become the first to make it past the group stage.

Morocco is the first African team to win two successive FIFA Women’s World Cup matches and the first to keep successive clean sheets.

VISA Player of the Match

Anissa Lahmari (Morocco)

Quotes

[About the Moroccan fans] They’re going to support us one more time. We love them – we cherish them we feel they’re behind us. It gives us strength. Well done to all the girls, and we’re continuing on our merry way.

Reynald Pedros, Morocco coach

Morocco 1 – 0 Colombia | Group H

Goalscorer: Lahmari (45’+4′)

Perfect for the continent of Africa three teams into the #FIFAWWC last 16 #FIFAWomensWorldCup https://t.co/4QTjoR7Pt5

— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) August 3, 2023

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South Africa’s Banyana Banyan Thembi Kgatlana scored a last-gasp late winner to set a date with the Netherlands.

The Banyana Banyana ladies made the history of reaching the knockout stages of the Women’s Word Cup last sixteen for the first time in their #FIFAWWC history.

South Africa scored an added-time winner to stun Italy 3-2 at Wellington Regional Stadium to book their last-16 spot at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

As a result, they will face the Netherlands at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday in what will be their first-ever knockout game.

In the 11th minute, Italy took the lead when Arianna Caruso slotted home low from the penalty spot after Chiara Beccari had been fouled by Karabo Dhlamini.

Robyn Moodaly’s swerving shot struck the post 20 minutes before South Africa was level on 32 minutes when Benedetta Orsi’s misplaced backpass skidded past her goalkeeper Francesca Durante.

Beccari almost restored Italy’s lead in the first half when her header came back off the post – but they fell behind midway through the second half when Thembi Kgatlana slipped a clever pass through to Hildah Magaia to finish beyond Durante.

South Africa 3 – 2 Italy | Group G

Goalscorers: Arianna Caruso (11′, 74′), Benedetta Orsi (OG) (32′), Hildah Magaia (67′), Thembi Kgatlana (90+2′)

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have reached this year’s Women’s World Cup last 16 despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Ireland in their final Group B contest.

For the third time in nine appearances, the Super Falcons secured their place in the knockout stage after a hard-fought draw against the Europeans on Monday.

Following their win over Australia, the stalemate in Brisbane was enough for Nigeria to clinch the runners-up spot behind group winners Australia.

Nigeria drew 0-0 with Canada in their first game and followed it up with a stunning 3-2 win over co-hosts Australia to take control of their destiny before finishing the job with Monday’s stalemate.

Australia’s emphatic 4-0 triumph over Canada signalled the end of the journey for the Canadian team as the co-hosts secured the top spot of the group.

The Falcons set to know their round of 16 opponent Group D winner — likely to be European champions England or Denmark on Tuesday (today).

The other African countries Zambia, South Africa and Morocco, were all defeated in the group stages. Zambia was already eliminated despite a 3-1 win over Costa Rica to clinch their first-ever tournament victory. South Africa and Morocco still can joining Nigeria in the last 16.

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Nigeria stunned Australia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup after coming from behind to claim a 3-2 at Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, on Thursday.

As a result, they top Group B on goal difference but the same four points as rivals Canada who defeated the Republic of 2-1 on Wednesday.

The significant victory makes the Super Falcons the only African country to have so far claimed maximum points at the tournament.

Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala were the scorers as the Super Falcons claimed a thrilling 3-2 win over the tournament co-hosts.

Emily van Egmond scored the 50th goal of this Women’s World, but the West Africans equalised in the sixth minute of added time at the end of the first half.

Egmond gave Australia the lead, only for Nigeria to equalise before the half-time whistle and then score twice in the second half to secure victory in Group B. Alana Kennedy pulled one back for Australia but was too late as the Nigerians held on to the win.

The Nigerians will reach the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup if they avoid defeat against the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

Australia 2 – 3 Nigeria | Group B

Goal scorers: Emily van Egmond (45+1′); Uchenna Kanu (45+6′); Osinachi Ohale (65′); Asisat Oshoala (72′); Alanna Kennedy (90+10′)

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