Morocco suffered a 2-0 defeat to defending Champions France in the Semi-final of the FIFA World Cup played at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.

An early goal from Theo Hernandez and a late strike by Kolo Muani sealed the win for the French who sail through to the final to face Argentina.

Walid Regragui was already stretched with injuries in the squad losing captain Romain Saiss early on to injury.

Youssef En-Nesyri was starved of supply most of the game and rarely threatened the France back four. Hakim Ziyech was bright and this was the game that saw the battle of between two friends Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi who clashed occasionally on the flanks.

Morocco gave a good account of themselves but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. The Atlas Lions will go out with their heads held high having made history as the first African team to qualify for the Semi-finals.

Morocco will now meet Croatia in the third and fourth playoff while France clash with Argentina in the final.

Coach Didier Deschamps will be hoping his France team can make history by defending the crown.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer