North African side Morocco became the fifth and final African team to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia after the team produced a solid defensive display to beat Cote D’Ivoire 2-0.
Head coach Herve Renard was facing the team he led to the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with the knowledge that a draw would take his side to Russia. With that in mind, his team started the game in a defensive mindset to combat the early attacking instincts of the Ivorians before unleashing theirs on the home side.
Nabil Dirar’s cross cum shot sneaked into the net to give Morocco the lead with 25 mins gone before defender Mehdi Benatia added a second five minutes later. The Ivorians were up against it at that point as they needed three goals to qualify for Russia 2018 however they didn’t get much from a well drilled Moroccan backline.
Herve Renard’s boys kept out their hosts for the remainder of the encounter to win the game 2-0 and join other African countries like Nigeria, Egypt and Senegal at the World Cup.
Earlier on Saturday, Tunisia became the 4th African nation to qualify for Russia 2018 despite a goalless draw against fellow North African side Libya at home. The team needed a solitary point prior to the game and they got just that to finish group winners ahead of DR Congo who defeated Guinea 3-1 in the other group game.
African Countries Going To Russia:
- Nigeria
- Egypt
- Senegal
- Tunisia
- Morocco
