of MOHAMED EL KADIRI in Marrakesh, Morocco
Morocco Office
MARRAKECH, (CAJ News) – By reaching the quarterfinals of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, Morocco has underlined its status as the continent’s best nation in this sport.
In its current form, that is.
Being the only African team left in the tournament in Qatar reinforces that status.
While all the focus has been on the so-called favorites here, manager Walid Regragui and the Atlas Lions have gone about their business in stride.
Some of these “favorites” are, in fact, overrated outfits that thrive on their reputation. As reality hits and the Atlas Lions roar, they have left Qatar with their tails between their legs.
Last to retire is Spain, beaten by Morocco on penalties on Tuesday.
While the result of Africa’s second-best team by ranking (behind Senegal) and 22nd in the world has caused shock around the world, Moroccan trendsetters of late are stunned.
Back in Africa, the Moroccans are the undisputed kings and queens of this year’s beautiful game.
They are basking in the glory of an outright victory in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) tournaments.
A look at his achievements in 2022 is glorious reading.
Wydad Athletic Club, the Casablanca team, is the current champion of the CAF Champions League.
Renaissance Sportive (RS) from Berkane are the champions of the CAF Confederation Cup and the CAF Super Cup.
In fact, RS has won three of the last five editions of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Raja Athletic Club won the last edition against RS, making it four victories for Moroccan teams in the last five editions. Wydad and Raja contest the 66-year-old Casablanca derby.
Also this year, the Royal Armed Forces Sports Association (ASFAR) won the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Morocco also reached the final of the inaugural Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which they hosted but lost to South Africa.
However, the silver medal qualified the Atlas Lionesses to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The record attendance confirmed the country’s strong interest in women’s football.
The overall success is attributed to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s (FRMF) commitment to play and stability, in a continent where football federations are plagued by infighting.
“Moroccan football is beginning to reap the rewards of the federation’s good work, achieving great success at all levels of the game for both men and women,” FIFA said.
On the eve of the match against Spain, the FRMF handed out free tickets to Moroccan fans amid the shortage.
– CAJ News
