Anissa Lajhmari’s goal in stoppage time of the first half gave Morocco a goal to nil victory over Colombia and guaranteed them a spot in the round of 16.

For their first World Cup appearance, the Moroccans (6 points) unexpectedly qualified owing to their victory over Colombia (1-0) in Perth.

With two victories in three days, the team managed by Frenchman Reynald Pedros overtook the Germans (4 points), who they had lost 6-0 to before the competition.

Following South Africa and Nigeria, Morocco become the third African team to advance to the round of 16. The Atlas Lionesses will compete against Hervé Renard’s French squad, who were only marginally disallowed from the Men’s World Cup semifinals.