CNN
—
It became the first African and first Arab country to achieve this World Cup semi-final, of Morocco As its achievements have united a region and a continent in celebration, the football team now represents more than just its home country.
The Moroccan flag was displayed in cities around the world on Saturday as fans celebrated the Atlas Lions. A historic 1-0 victory over Portugal.
Videos on social media show car horns honking long into the night in Casablanca; A dancing crowd in Trafalgar Square, London; Crowded streets in Rabat; The celebratory fans in Paris, as well as the stands of Moroccan fans, erupted with joy again at the final whistle when Youssef N-Nesiri’s header found the back of the net.
Political leaders around the world have hailed the Atlas Lions, who have now beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal – all in the top 10 of FIFA’s world rankings – in the tournament.
Chad President Mohamed Idris Deby He said on Twitter: “Historic and Extraordinary! The Atlas Lions have qualified for the 2022 World Cup semi-finals for All Africa. Full support to Africa’s representatives for the finals. Africa world champion, yes it is possible inshallah!
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid of Dubai Tweeted: “No voice is louder than Morocco at the World Cup!”
“We share the joy of our brothers” Tweeted Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
“We are happy when the Arabs are happy,” Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Shtayyeh said, according to Reuters, hailing the “historic” victory.
According to Reuters, two rival Palestinian groups, Fatah and Hamas, sent their congratulations.
Prime Minister of Libya Abdulhamid al-Dubai Tweeted: “Congratulations to the Moroccan national team on their historic qualification to the World Cup semi-finals”, with a Moroccan flag emoji.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II congratulated Morocco’s King Mohammed VI by phone and wished the team success in the “remaining matches” of the Royal Hashemite Court. Twitter account said.
Egypt Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tweeted: “Sincere greetings to the brotherly kingdom of Morocco.”
“I congratulate the Atlas Lions on their victory today and becoming the first African and Arab team to advance to the semi-finals of the World Cup,” said US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Tweeted.
Three African nations have reached the quarter-finals before – Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 – but all of them have been sorely missed out on a place in the semi-finals.
Morocco’s win marks the most significant moment in African football history, and has been hailed by some of the continent’s biggest football stars.
“Continental History!…What a feat by the Atlas Lions,” Confederation of African Football Tweeted.
“They did!!!! Well done Morocco for this achievement. Long live Africa” Tweeted Retired Ivorian star Didier Drogba.
Samuel Eto’o, former Cameroon striker and current president of the country’s football federation, He said on Twitter: “Unbelievable! …the entire continent is rooting for you.
Pop star Shakira also attended the celebration. Tweeting, “This time to Africa!!” His song was used during the 2010 World Cup with a clapping emoji and the Moroccan flag.
