CNN
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As the first African and first Arab country to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, Morocco’s football team now represents more than just their country, as their achievements have brought regions and continents together to celebrate.
Moroccan flags were hoisted in cities around the world on Saturday as fans celebrated the Atlas Lions’ historic 1-0 victory over Portugal.
Social media videos show car horns blaring late into the night in Casablanca. Crowd dancing in Trafalgar Square, London. A street full of Rabat people. Jubilant fans in Paris and the hall of Moroccan fans erupted in jubilation when Youssef En-Nesyri’s header slammed into the net and the final whistle blew again.
Political leaders around the world also applauded the Atlas Lions for defeating Belgium, Spain and Portugal in the FIFA World Top 10 rankings in the tournament.
President of Chad Mahamat Idriss Deby said on Twitter: “Historic and extraordinary! Atlas Lions qualification for the 2022 world semi-finals is the qualification for all Africa. We will be rooting for the African team with all our might for the grand finale. African world champions, yes possible is.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in Dubai murmured: “There is no louder voice than Morocco at the World Cup!”
“We share joy with our brothers” murmured Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shire al-Sudani.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said, “When the Arabs rejoice, we rejoice,” praising the “historic” victory, according to Reuters.
Two rival Palestinian groups, Fatah and Hamas, also sent congratulations, Reuters reported.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al-Dubeiba murmured: ‘Congratulations to the Moroccan national team for historic qualification to the World Cup semi-finals,’ accompanied by the Moroccan flag emoji.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II congratulated Morocco’s King Mohammed VI by phone and wished the team “success in the remaining games”. twitter account Said.
Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs murmured: “My heartfelt congratulations to the Brotherhood of Morocco.”
“Congratulations to today’s victory and to the Atlas Lions on becoming the first African-Arab team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup,” said Secretary of State Antony Brinken. murmured.
Three African nations, Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010, had previously reached the quarter-finals, but all struggled to reach the semi-finals.
Morocco’s success was a pivotal moment in the history of African football, celebrated by some of the continent’s biggest football stars.
“A Continental History!…What a feat by the Atlas Lions”, Confederation of African Football murmured.
“THEY DID IT!!! Well done Morocco for this feat. Long live Africa” murmured Retired Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba.
Samuel Eto’o, former Cameroonian striker and current president of the country’s football federation, said: said on Twitter: “I can’t believe it! …the whole continent is rooting for you.
Pop star Shakira also joined the celebration, TweetThe applause emoji and the Moroccan flag, in reference to her song used at the 2010 World Cup.
