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By Johnny Edward.
Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, believes Morocco can stun 2016 European champions when they clash at the Al Thumama stadium on Saturday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Morocco became the second African team after Nigeria to defeat Spain at the FIFA World Cup after they edged the 2018 winner 3-0 on penalties after regulation time ended goalless on Tuesday.
Each of the previous three African teams to reach a quarter-final were all eliminated in the last eight, with Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) falling at this hurdle.
Ahead of Saturday’s (today) quarter-final clash in Qatar, the Al Hilal striker admits that the Atlas Lions have the quality to surpass Africa’s best feat at the World Cup.
Both teams have met twice at the World Cup. At the 1986 edition, Morocco defeated Portugal 3-1 while at the 2018 edition in France, Portugal beat Morocco 1-0.
Before now Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana were regarded as African best teams at the Mundial but for Ighalo, the success of teams from Africa in Qatar is something he is keeping a close eye on, including Morocco.
“Against Portugal (in the last eight) it’s going to be tough but in football, anything can happen,” Ighalo told The Athletic.
“Names don’t play football — if you work hard and give everything on the field you have every chance to get through, so one mistake could cost any team. So I wish
“Morocco all the best, but as an African I hope the best side wins.”