On December 6th 2022, the Morocco national soccer team made history, after defeating Spain and claiming a spot in the quarter-finals in Qatar. The victory makes Morocco the fourth African team to get into the World Cup quarter-finals after Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002), and Ghana 2010.
With this achievement, across social media, people have hailed Morocco as an African victory. After the exit of African soccer teams, people in the continent decided to cheer on the Morocco soccer team.
But, the Moroccan FA has said that their World Cup win has nothing to do with Africa. Moreover, in a comment after their surprise victory over Spain, Morocco national team player Sofiane Boufal told international media that their win was for the Arab world.
“Thanks to all Moroccans all over the world for their support, to all Arab people, and to all Muslim people,” he said.
Africa’s flag
Morocco’s Coach, Walid Regragui, did not agree with Boufal. He said in an interview that he hopes to fly the flag of African soccer high. He said that after questioning if Morocco is playing for the Arab world.
“I am not here to be a politician. We want to fly Africa’s flag high just like Senegal, Ghana, and Cameroon. We are here to represent Africa,” the ex-Wydad Casablanca coach told GOAL.
Regragui said he is looking forward to a time when Africa can produce a World Cup winner.
“Often African football (soccer) has been described as sub-par, not as good as elsewhere, but in this World Cup, I think we’ve shown we can give anyone a run for their money. We’re talking about European teams, South American teams, and I hope in the future we’ll be seeing more African teams. Why not an African World Cup champion in the future?”
The World Cup resumes this Friday with quarterfinal battles. Morocco will play against Portugal on Saturday.
