Anissa Lahmari scored late in the first half to send Morocco through to the last 16 of the World Cup alongside Colombia after a 1-0 win in Perth.

Morocco made most of the running in the first period and made their pressure count when Lahmari nudged home after Ghizlane Chebbak’s initial penalty was saved by Catalina Perez.

Colombia threatened an equaliser a few times in the second half, but goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi proved to be the hero as tournament debutants Morocco sealed qualification for the knockout stages at the expense of two-time winners Germany.

Morocco needed to win and hope Germany failed to beat South Korea, which they did as they drew 1-1, in the other Group H game in order to progress.

The North African side almost hit the front inside the first couple of minutes when Ibtissam Jraidi unleashed an effort from a tight angle but Perez turned it wide for a corner.

Morocco were given the opportunity to take the lead in first-half stoppage time after Jraidi was bundled over in the box by Daniela Arias.

Chebbak stepped up and fired towards the bottom corner but Perez was on hand to save the penalty and, after a sliced attempt at goal from the rebound, Lahmari was on hand to net the loose ball.

Colombia had their first real chance of the game just before the hour mark when Daniela Montoya rifled a close range effort at Er-Rmichi and Lorena Bedoya’s follow-up went marginally wide of the target.

The South American outfit started to build pressure and almost equalised again, this time Mayra Ramirez’s drilled effort was tipped wide by Er-Rmichi.

Another chance came to the Colombians as some neat build-up play fell to Linda Caicedo but her goalbound shot was tipped over the bar, with Ramirez also denied by the post.

Morocco had a chance to make it 2-0 in stoppage time when Rosella Ayane turned and shot from inside the area straight at Perez.