For the second time in their history and for the first time since 1986, Morocco advances to the round of 16.
Al Thumama Stadium solely hosts the Lions de l’Atlas performance (Atlas Lions).
Sara Sulaiman, a Moroccan supporter, described herself as “euphoric” when her team advanced to the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar by defeating Canada 2-1 on the strength of goals from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri.
The nation of North Africa has advanced to the tournament’s knockout round for the first time since 1986. Out of the four Arab nations competing in the 2022 edition, it is the only one to do so.
The 28-year-old Fez native thinks the Atlas Lions “absolutely” have a shot at moving on in the competition. On December 6, they will play Spain in a knockout game.
Sulaiman said loudly, “I think we can win more, maybe even the tournament,” and added that she was “extremely pleased” of the squad regardless of what transpired.
“They have already brought us great joy. She stated, “I don’t want to add extra pressure.
Malek Alami, a Marrakech resident, described his victory on Thursday as the “happiest moment of his life.”
“I’m at a loss for words; all I have are good feelings. The accomplishment will “unite our country,” Alami added, calling it “an wonderful triumph for us.”
The 37-year-old tourist organiser predicted that homecoming festivities would go all day.
“The party will continue until Fajr the dawn prayer for Muslims], today,” Alami said.
After the game, many fans stayed around and proceeded to party outside the stadium’s gates.
They cheered, “Always Morocco,” as they joked with loved ones and, of course, snapped photographs to commemorate the momentous event.
Numerous parents with children on their shoulders were among the hundreds of revellers gathered close to the FIFA music stage, shouting “Viva la Maghreb” or “Long Live Morocco.”
As fans have done throughout the competition in support of the Palestinians suffering under occupation, Morocco’s players raised the flag of Palestine on the field.
After losing both of their prior games, Canada’s supporters were less upbeat as they accepted their team’s elimination from the competition.
“I thought the game was good. Losing is not enjoyable, said 44-year-old Kelly White
But for us, this competition was a chance to prove to the world that we are a [football] nation. At the greatest level, we can compete, she asserted. “Perhaps we’ll do better in 2026 when Canada is the host country. I am really excited!
The almost 45,000-person facility had an exciting atmosphere even before the game began.
Large crowds of Moroccan supporters, who have been enthusiastic in their support of their side throughout the competition, slowly filtered into the arena while singing and dancing to French and Arabic songs, notably C’est la vie by Algerian musician Khaled, to lighten the atmosphere.
As soon as the game began, the Atlas Lions’ every step forward was met with deafening roars of support. Each time their team was fouled, the crowd noisily yelled and jeered.
Mohammed Hisham, a Marrakesh resident that the victory was “a great one, not just for Morocco but for all Arabs.”
The 36-year-old Doha resident continued, “All my pals from Tunisia or Lebanon or Qatar are supporting us.”
“Having the World Cup in the Middle East is already a significant accomplishment; this qualification is incredible.”
