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'Pinch me, I think I'm dreaming': Morocco becomes first African and Arab team to enter World Cup semifinals

'These moments are great, but we're here to change the mentality. With this feeling of inferiority, we have to get rid of it,' said Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou

DOHA, QATAR: Thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal, Morocco has qualified for the World Cup 2022 semifinals and has become the first African team to do so. In a thrilling encounter, the North-African squad defeated 10-men Portugal 1-0, and will now face defending champions France, who in the other quarterfinal clash won over the English side, 2-1. Portugal threatened the Atlas Lions, but failed to break through their defense, and remained goalless. It was minutes before half-time, when Yahia Attiyat-Allah and En-Nesyri managed to find the net above Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Ronaldo was seen wiping away tears with his jersey, as he walked down the tunnel, which could likely be his last world cup game. "Pinch me, I think I'm dreaming," said Yassine "Bono" Bounou, Morocco goalkeeper. "These moments are great, but we're here to change the mentality. With this feeling of inferiority, we have to get rid of it. The Moroccan player can face any in the world. The generation coming after us will know we can create miracles," as reported by New York Times.

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There have been interesting reactions coming from the celebrites on Morocco win over Portugal. Twitter-boss Elon Musk wrote, "Congrats Morocco!!" African Union President Macky Sall congratulated on Twitter too, as he captioned in ALL Caps, sharing the excitement, "HISTORIC! AND FANTASTIC! THE ATLAS LIONS ARE QUALIFIED FOR THE SEMI-FINALS OF THE WORLD CUP! BRAVO MOROCCO"

President of Federal Republic of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo has wished the Moroccon team for the historic win, "You have truly made us proud Morocco. This victory is more than just qualifying beyond the Quaters. This is a testimony that Africa is rising & we are a force to be reckoned with. Felicitations for the history-making passage to the FIFA World Cup Semi-finals. Congratulations."

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto's tweet read, "Incredible! Morocco is the first ever African country to make it to the semi finals. The entire continent is rooting for you"

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wished the African giants, to "the Atlas lions on their win today". Africa making history and leading on and off the field. On the eve of the the #USAfricaLeadersSummit22, I congratulate @EnMaroc, the #AtlasLions, on their win today and becoming the first African and Arab team to ever reach the semi-finals of the @FIFAWorldCup . #DimaMaghrib"

President Mahamat Idriss Deby said, "Historic and extraordinary! The qualification of the Atlas Lions for the semi-final of the 2022 world is that of all Africa. Full support to the representatives of Africa for the grand finale. Africa world champion, yes it is possible inchallah!".

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