Morocco’s Atlas Lion advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup, following a 2-1 win over Canada at Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar on Thursday, December 1.

The North Africans finished top of Group F with seven points from three matches, in a group that has world number two Belgium and 2018 edition finalists Croatia.

Coach Walid Regragui's team also became the first African side to top a World Cup Group, since Nigeria in 1998.

Morocco went ahead inside the opening four minutes when Hakim Ziyech took advantage of a weak clearance by goalkeeper Milan Borjan, lobbing the ball into the back of the net.

Youssef En-Nesyri doubled Morocco’s lead in the 23rd minute when he ran onto a long ball from Achraf Hakimi and beat Borjan at the near post.

Nayef Aguerd then scored an own goal, but Morocco held on to seal a place in the round of 16 for the first time in 36 years.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Hakimi wept after the match.

“I didn’t think about it, but now I realise we made history,” he said. “We work very hard and we deserve it.” He said.

The other Group game between Croatia and Belgium ended 0-0, with Croatia picking the second tickets in the Group.

Morocco will face the second-place finishers Spain in Group E, while Croatia will meet Japan.