DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Moroccans in Qatar are feeling the love from across the Arab world ahead of their country’s World Cup clash with Spain on Tuesday.
After their own teams were knocked out of the first World Cup in the Middle East, many fans from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia in Doha are now backing Morocco, the last remaining Arab team in the tournament.
At Marrakech, a Moroccan restaurant in Doha, some employees were touched by the outpouring of support. Some even dared to dream big with the national team.
“All the Arab countries felt joy for us and helped us feel joy,” Yassin al-Youssfi said, serving Moroccan tea in the team’s bright red jersey. “I hope this feeling lasts when we raise the cup. It will be in Moroccan hands.”
The Atlas Lions clinched first place in Group F ahead of 2018 finalists Croatia and semifinalists Belgium, reaching the round of 16 at a World Cup for the first time since 1986. One more victory for Morocco would mean the first trip for the country to the quarterfinals.
Morocco’s success sparked an outpouring of joy in the Arab world. Celebrations stretched from Gaza City to Cairo. In Doha, the Moroccan community felt at home.
“Anywhere in Qatar, you would find people congratulating and cheering you on,” said Naouel Farih, chef at the Marrakech restaurant. “It gives so much pride and happiness to a person that the Moroccan team has reached the round of 16.”
Fans draped in Morocco’s national flag gathered in Doha’s Souq Waqif bazaar on Sunday and danced late into the night at an impromptu street party. Some chanted in Arabic: “Congratulations to us on this start! It will go on and on!”
“I feel like I’m in Morocco!” said Ibrahim Boutahar, a Moroccan fan who lives in Doha and joined the crowd that danced, chanted and hooted. “The atmosphere is Moroccan, the music… the rituals.”
Support from other Arab and African countries has also been welcomed by fans watching the World Cup from their home in Morocco.
Kadr Ighiri, a 51-year-old who works in human resources in Casablanca, said he believes the endorsement has given the team a boost and will help them against Spain on Tuesday.
The Moroccan players “feel like they are playing at home,” Ighiri said. “That’s the key.”
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Associated Press writers Lujain Jo in Doha and Tarik El-Barakah in Rabat, Morocco contributed to this report.
