Morocco made headlines this weekend as it became the first African country to qualify for this year’s World Cup quarterfinals.
The Atlas Lions made history in the last edition of the World Cup in 2022 in Qatar when they reached the semifinals, knocking out European giants such as Spain and Portugal.
This year, the Atlas Lions roar again in a huge 3-0 victory against Canada. The three goals were scored in the second half by Azzedine Ounahi and Soufiane Rahimi, both Moroccan-born. This is significant as Morocco drew much media attention after becoming the team with the most diaspora-born players, including Spanish-born stars Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.
Morocco stands out from its African counterparts in football not only given its success in successive World Cups but due to the team comprising elite talent drawn from a range of prestigious clubs, including Paris Saint Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Morocco fans in London took to streets on Saturday evening in usual fashion to celebrate the victory with singing and dancing.
Cheers could be heard from the iconic Edgware Road, home to a large number of British Moroccans, as the whistle blew for full time, sealing Morocco’s victory.
In Piccadilly Circus, where victory celebrations took place, the atmosphere was equally buzzing. Morocco fans joined in chanting and cheering with their families and friends.
Next, the Atlas Lions will face European giants France on Thursday in a match that promises to be exhilarating. If victorious, the Atlas Lions will be the first African team to reach the semifinals twice at the World Cup.
