2019 AFCON: The Squirrels Make Quarter Finals With 4 Goals Against Morroco

It is a great win for the Squirrels of Benin Republic who have just qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Morocco 4-1 on penalties for the first time

The match had ended 1-1 in regulation time

Mama Seibou hit the winning penalty to send 10-man Benin through after Khaled Adenon had been sent off in extra time.

In an incident-packed tie in Cairo, Moise Adilehou put Benin ahead before Youssef En-Nesyri equalized.

Morocco had a chance to win it with the last kick of normal time but Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech’s penalty struck a post.

Olivier Verdon, David Djigla and Tidjani Anaane  from the squirrels won penalties before Seibou’s effort sparked wild celebrations on and off the pitch inside the Al Salam Stadium.

In what is only their fourth appearance at the AFCON, Benin will face the winners of Friday’s late last-16 tie between Uganda and Senegal in the quarter-finals on 10 July.

Morocco had progressed from the group stage with three wins and without conceding a goal.

Despite dashing Benin’s goal with 22 shots during the 120 minutes, they lacked cutting edge and are now on their way home from a tournament they were expected to win.

Benin, who advanced to the last-16 as one of the best four third-placed teams in the group stage, played the final 23 minutes of extra time with 10 men when Adenon was sent off for a second bookable offence.

En-Nesyri and Ziyech both forced saves from keeper Saturnin Allagbe before Benin took the lead through Adilehou’s close-range volley following a corner.

Morocco were gifted their equalizer, a horrendous mistake by Jordan Adeoti allowing Mbark Boussoufa to set up En-Nesyri to fire under Allagbe.