Walid Regragui: Beautiful Scenes As Mother to Morocco’s Boss Celebrates Son

• Walid Regragui's mother was present to celebrate her son's achievements with Morocco
• The Atlas Lions became only the fourth African country to qualify for the World Cup last 8
• Since taking charge, the CAF Champions League-winning coach has led them to new heights

Morocco's Head Coach, Walid Regragui has etched his name in history books after becoming the first African coach to qualify a team for the quarter-finals.

The Atlas Lions' story has been a beautiful one in Qatar, with the African side proving critics wrong with their exemplary performances.

After frustrating 2018 finalists Croatia to a barren draw, they followed it up with a 2-0 masterclass win over FIFA's number 2 ranked team Belgium, before dispatching Canada to win their group.

They followed it up with a resilient display against Spain, before goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and a cooly-taken set piece by Achraf Hakimi saw the game won on post-match penalties.

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History in the making

Gushes of excitement and pandemonium hit the Education City Stadium, as the Moroccans wheeled away in celebration.

They became the fourth African country to qualify for the quarter-finals of a World Cup after Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana.

A mother's love

At the stadium to congratulate her son was Regragui's mother, Fatima.

Sports journalist Usher Komugisha reports that Fatima had never watched her son live during his playing days or as a coach, but Regragui insisted she had to be present in Qatar.

Fatima rained hugs and kisses on her son as reality sunk in.

Morocco are only one game from making history as the first African country to qualify for the semi-finals, but face a tough test in Portugal.

King Mohammed congratulates Morocco players

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Sports Brief had earlier reported that King Mohammed VI congratulated Morocco after their stunning victory over Spain, to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

The Atlas Lions defeated the tournament favourites via a penalty shootout, after the tie had ended 0-0 in regulation time and extra time.

The North Africans continued their fairy-tale at the global showpiece to become the first African nation to win on penalties in World Cup history.

Morocco dedicate win to Nouri

Meanwhile, players of Morocco celebrated their victory over Spain at the World Cup in Qatar by paying tribute to Abdelhak Nouri.

The Atlas Lions beat the 2010 world champions on penalties to advance to the last eight of the tournament.

After the match, the players - who were celebrating wildly - took a moment to remember Dutch-born Moroccan Nouri.