BREAKING: Benin beat Morocco on penalties to reach AFCON quarter-finals

- Morocco vs Benin AFCON 2019 knockout match ended 4-1 on penalties in favor of Les Ecureuils
- Benin are now the first nation to qualify for the quarterfinal of the 2019 Nations Cup in Egypt
- Morocco would have won the match if they had scored the penalty given to them at the death Les


Ecureuils of Benin Republic have qualified for the quarterfinal of the ongoing 2019 African Cup of Nations after beating Morocco 4-1 on penalties on Friday, July 5. The normal regulation time ended 1-1 and Morocco even had the chance to win the match at the death when they were given a penalty, but Hakim Ziyech was unable to score.

Morocco started the game impressively in the first half with Nabil Dirar having the first chance to score for Morocco in the third minute, but his shot was blocked.

Both sides fought well in the first half looking for an opening goal, but they were unable to find the back of the net. Benin however took the lead in the 53rd minute through Moise Adilehou who got a superb assist from Cebio Soukou.

But Morocco restored parity in the 76th minute through Youssef En-Nesyri who benefited from an assist by Mbark Boussoufa. Hakim Ziyech who has been fantastic for Morocco in this tournament turned villain towards the end of the match when he missed a penalty which could have given his nation the win.

Benin went on to win on penalties thereby becoming the first country to reach the 2019 African Cup of Nations quarterfinal. Earlier, Legit.ng had reported how Super Eagles gaffer Nigeria will go into this game against the reigning champions of Africa without their captain Mikel Obi who is currently injured.