Football fans in Surulere, Lagos, have extolled the exploits of the Atlas Lions of Morocco for reaching the semifinal and have backed them to defeat France.

Morocco, who defeated Portugal 1-0 to book a place in the semifinal, also made history as the first African country to reach that level in the history of the world cup.

The Atlas Lions also defeated Belgium 2-0 in the group stage, then beat Spain on penalties after the match had ended 0-0.

The football fans said in separate interviews that the team was capable of going all the way to the final and even lifting the world cup.

Femi Aramide, a mechanic, said that the Moroccan team did not disappoint as an African representative.

He said that the team showed that with discipline, African teams can go far in the World Cup.

“This performance by Morocco shows their depth and their coach has shown that with an African Coach we can go far in football’s biggest stage,” Aramide said.

Segun Onigbanjo, a businessman, said that it was a great thing to finally see an African team in the semifinal of the world cup.

He said that Brazil, Argentina and other European countries had dominated at that level.

“Morocco is doing what other teams should have done in a long time of our participation in the world cup.

“Indeed this is a great moment in their country and we can only support them as our fellow African brothers,” he said.

Henry Okpanachi, a trader, said that the jinx had finally been broken and was confident that Morocco would make it to the final.

“Indeed it is great news for the African team and like never before we must come together to support our fellow brothers.

“I hope all other African teams can learn from their achievement and believe more in what they can accomplish,” he  said.

Morocco would now play France who defeated England 2-1 in the other quarterfinal game.

Croatia who defeated Brazil on penalties would play Argentina who edged out Netherlands also on penalties for a place in the semifinal.

(NAN)