Morocco’s stunning 1-0 victory over Portugal in the football World Cup 2022 quarter-final sparked significant celebrations in the Arab and African world.
Morocco’s fairytale victories continue to enchant football lovers and Saturday’s win marked the first time an Arab or African country has ever reached the last four in 92 years of World Cup history.
The win over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal is Morocco’s third over a highly-ranked European team in the tournament.
Casablanca, a port city in western Morocco, saw scenes of jubilation as people came out on the streets to celebrate their country’s extraordinary against-the-odds victory.
Adnane Bennis, managing director of the Morocco World News, said that “no words” could entirely express what Morocco’s win over Portugal meant for the country, Africa and the wider Arab region.
“This is a great win for Morocco, a historic win, and it didn’t come out of nothing. We believed in ourselves, we believed in our squad … The dream is still alive, the journey is still ongoing and we are now two victories away from winning the World Cup.”
Celebration in Gaza
In the Palestinian territories, thousands of people watching the game in cafes, restaurants and soccer stadiums continues celebrations, which included fireworks, long into the night.
After its previous win, Morocco’s team had posed with the Palestinian flag. “Seeing the Palestinian flag being waved by Morocco footballers made us feel as if we won,” said Gaza businessman Imad Joudat.