Qatar 2022: Social Media Explodes With Joy As Africans Unite to Congratulate Morocco for Beating Belgium

• Morocco recorded an impressive 2-0 win against second-ranked team in the world, Belgium
• The victory over the Red Devils marks the Atlas Lions' first win at the Mundial since 1998
• A win or draw against Canada will push the North Africans to this year's knockout stages

Social media users across the African continent as sang the praises of Morocco, following their heroic performance against Belgium in their second group game at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Following their impressive goalless draw with 2018 runners-up Croatia, the Atlas Lions had an equally tough test of surpassing a star-studded Red Devils side led by Eden Hazard.

Despite Belgium dominating the opening exchanges against Morocco, the one-time African champions weathered the storm, before eventually breaking the deadlock with 17 minutes left on the clock.

Abdelhamid Sabiri surprised Thibaut Courtois at his near post to give Morocco the lead, after which Zakaria Aboukhal sealed victory for the North Africans with a stoppage-time goal.

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The win temporarily catapults Morocco to the summit of Group F with four points, and a victory or draw against Canada will help the Atlas Lions secure their first knockout qualification since 1986.

Following Morocco's first win at the global showpiece in 24 years, Africans trooped to the micro-blogging app Twitter to shower praises on the team for their scintillating performance.

Social media users comment:

@EricNjiiru tweeted:

"Thank you, Morocco for making Africa proud!"

@badboy_jeremy1 saluted Hakim Ziyech and the Atlas Lions:

"Huge win for Hakim Ziyech and another huge win for Africa."

@MimosaFawaz explained the hard work behind Morocco's success:

"Morocco have represented Africa well in this World Cup. This is their first win since the 1998 World Cup. No surprise where they are in World Football now. They’ve been investing heavily in men's and women’s game."

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Another user @Lorenz_KO reckons Morocco's 2-0 win over Belgium was not a flash in the pan:

"Pride of Africa. This victory is no fluke."

@OgaNlaMedia added:

"This is huge for Africa! This is exceptional. Africa, let's celebrate!!! Party."

Morocco stuns Belgium

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Morocco jeopardised Belgium's World Cup hopes, as Sabiri and Aboukhlal's late strikes secured a surprise win in Doha on Sunday.

Belgium, third-placed in Russia four years ago, could have qualified for the last 16 with a victory, but instead produced another insipid display after a fortunate opening win over Canada.

Substitute Sabiri was the hero thanks to a 73rd-minute free kick, which Red Devils goalkeeper Courtois allowed to bounce in, before Aboukhlal grabbed a second goal in stoppage time.