Morocco secured their spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup quarterfinals after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Iran in Indonesia on Tuesday.
The Atlas Cubs came back from a goal down to equalise in stoppage time and then prevailed 5-4 on penalties.
Iran had taken the lead in the second half through a brilliant header from Esmaeil Gholizadeh, who connected with a cross from Nima Andarz in the 73rd minute.
The goal came against the run of play, as Morocco had dominated the second half and created several chances.
Mohamed Hamony, star player, had tested Iran’s goalkeeper, Arsha Shakouri, with a curling shot from the edge of the box, but the keeper made a spectacular save.
The club also hit the crossbar from a free-kick by Amirmohammad Razaghinia, but they could not find the breakthrough until the dying moments of the game.
Nassim Azaouzi was the hero for the club, as he volleyed home a powerful shot from inside the box to level the score and force the game to penalties.
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In the shootout, Iran’s Hesam Nafari missed the first kick, while Morocco’s goalkeeper, Taha Benrhozil, saved a retaken penalty from Kasra Taheri.
That set up the stage for Fouad Zahouani, who smashed the final penalty into the net and sent Morocco into ecstasy. Morocco will now face Mali in the quarterfinals in Surakarta on Friday.