CNN
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As the primary African and first Arab nation to succeed in the World Cup semifinals, Morocco’s soccer workforce now represents a lot greater than its personal nation as its achievements have united a area and continent in celebration.
The Moroccan flag was displayed in cities all around the globe on Saturday, as followers celebrated the Atlas Lions’ historic 1-0 victory over Portugal.
Movies on social media present automotive horns blaring lengthy into the evening in Casablanca; crowds dancing in London’s Trafalgar Sq.; streets full of individuals in Rabat; followers celebrating in Paris, in addition to halls of Moroccan followers erupting with pleasure when Youssef En-Nesyri’s header discovered the again of the online and once more on the last whistle.
Political leaders from around the globe additionally hailed the Atlas Lions, who’ve now defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal – all ranked inside the highest 10 of FIFA’s world rankings – on this event.
Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby said on Twitter: “Historic and extraordinary! The qualification of the Atlas Lions for the semi-final of the 2022 world is that of all Africa. Full help to the representatives of Africa for the grand finale. Africa world champion, sure it’s doable inchallah!”
Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tweeted: “No voice is louder than Morocco’s within the World Cup!”
“We share the enjoyment of our brothers,” tweeted Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
“We rejoice when the Arabs rejoice,” mentioned Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, per Reuters, and hailed a “historic” victory.
The 2 rival Palestinian teams Fatah and Hamas additionally despatched congratulations, in line with Reuters.
Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah tweeted: “Congratulations to the Moroccan nationwide workforce for his or her historic qualification to the World Cup semi-finals,” alongside an emoji of the Moroccan flag.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II congratulated King Mohammed VI of Morocco through a cellphone name and wished the workforce “success within the remaining matches,” the Royal Hashemite Court docket’s Twitter account mentioned.
Egypt’s Overseas Ministry tweeted: “Honest heartfelt congratulations to the brotherly kingdom of Morocco.”
“I congratulate the Atlas Lions on their win as we speak and changing into the primary African and Arab workforce to ever attain the semi-finals of the World Cup,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted.
Three African nations had reached the quarterfinals earlier than – Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 – however had all fallen agonizingly in need of a spot within the semifinals.
Morocco’s success marks a vastly important second within the historical past of African soccer, and one which was lauded by a number of the continent’s greatest footballing stars.
“CONTINENTAL HISTORY!… What an achievement by the Atlas Lions,” the Confederation of African Soccer tweeted.
“They did it!!!! Nicely performed Morocco for this feat. Lengthy reside Africa,” tweeted retired Ivorian star Didier Drogba.
Samuel Eto’o, the previous Cameroon striker and present president of the nation’s soccer federation, said on Twitter: “Unimaginable! …The complete continent is rooting for you.”
Even pop star Shakira joined within the celebrations, tweeting, “This time for Africa!!” in reference to her track used as throughout the 2010 World Cup, with a clapping emoji and a Moroccan flag.
