African football will continue its representation at the 2022 World Cup knockout rounds after Morocco eliminated former champions Spain in the round of 16 following a dramatic penalty shoot-out to secure historic quarterfinal qualification on Tuesday.

In a game where both teams were seeking to reestablish themselves as a footballing force on the world stage, the Moroccans held their composure the better of the two to book their passage to the next round.

Morocco who came into the game as the only remaining African team in the round, outscored the Spanish 4-1 on penalties after both teams played out a goalless stalemate during regulation and extra time.

Demonstrating that they are able to manage the hope of an entire continent, as the young Spaniards wilted under the weight of expectations of a country.

The victory was a historic feat for the Moroccans have advanced to the quarterfinal for the first time in footballing history.

2010 World Cup Champions Spain who has a wealth of young talented prospects will now have to focus on future tournaments with their young squad.

Morocco’s performances at this World Cup have earned the respect of many around the globe and certainly the middle eastern nations, and proven that the standard of footballing talent from the continent has expanded greatly.

They will now await the winner of the Portugal-Switzerland game set for later on Tuesday.