Audio By Carbonatix
Morocco star Hakim Ziyech's 90th-minute penalty miss cost his side dearly as Benin went on to win 4-1 on penalties and reach the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations for the first time.
Youssef En-Nesyri's equaliser 14 minutes from time got Morocco back into the game after Moise Adilehou's shock opener and it seemed like they would go through when Benin skipper Stephane Sessegnon felled Achraf Hakimi in the box.
Ziyech sent the goalkeeper the wrong way but saw his effort come agonisingly hit the outside of the post.
Benin played 23 minutes of extra time down to ten men after Khaled Adenon was dismissed for apparently shoving the referee, a second bookable offence.
He left the pitch very reluctantly before engaging in an argument with the Moroccan bench and it remains to be seen if he will play again in the tournament.
The underdogs looked to have been looking to get to penalties from the first minute and their accomplished kicks suggested as much. In contrast Morocco appeared nervy in the shoot-out with Sofiane Boufal blazing over the bar and Youssef En-Nesyri seeing his kick saved.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
2026 World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw as Brazil come from behind
9 minutes -
Qatar stun Switzerland to snatch first-ever World Cup point
3 hours -
Kidnapped Nigerian retired general dies in captivity
3 hours -
Trump says US-Iran deal to be signed on Sunday as Tehran casts doubt on timing
3 hours -
2026 World Cup: Sports Ministry demands FIFA intervention over Partey’s visa denial
4 hours -
Three killed, three injured in Yikurigu crash involving Yutong VVIP bus and Toyota Sienna
5 hours -
Child labour surges in Ada East District – Social Welfare Director
6 hours -
Let Love Lead NGO mobilises 3,000 volunteers for Nima sanitation drive to prevent flooding
6 hours -
High Court quashes GTEC directive derecognising UNEM degrees
7 hours -
Family demands independent probe into disappearance of newborn baby at Salaga Hospital
8 hours -
Al Qaeda-linked militants curb their brutality in seized Malian territory
8 hours -
Photos: How Accra West uses ‘aboboyaa’ to transport waste on muddy roads to McCarthy Hills dumpsite
8 hours -
Yaya Touré seals surprise new job with Champions League club
8 hours -
Anthropic suspends new AI tools over US government security concerns
8 hours -
New Somanya Methodist JHS to get major facelift
8 hours