Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses are through to the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in its debut appearance after the North African defeated Colombia 1-0 in their last game of the group stage to reach the historic feat.

The victory meant for the first time in the history of the Women’s World Cup, three African nations qualified for the knockout round of the tournament after Nigeria’s Super Falcons and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana had earlier booked spots in the last 16.

Anissa Lahmari’s rebound goal from Ghizlane Chebbak’s missed penalty kick saw the Moroccans, who are the second lowest-ranked team coming into this tournament, reach the knockout round ahead of two-time world champions Germany.

The Germans finished third in Group H following a 1-1 draw against South Korea. 

It would be the first time Germany had failed to qualify from the group stage in FIFA Women’s World Cup history – they finished the group with four points while group leaders, Colombia and Morocco finished with six points each, but the latter had a superior goal difference.

Morocco’s achievement marked a new height in the development of women’s football in Africa as the remaining Confederation of African Football (CAF) representatives will seek to surpass the quarterfinals record set by Super Falcons 24 years ago.

The Atlas Lionesses will face Les Bleues of France in the round of 16 as the Falcons tango against the Three Lionesses of England, while Banyana Banyana face Netherlands’ Oranje.