Gusts of wind engulfed a somber day in Rabat, flashing street lights color the ambiance of a rainy and silent capital, a city that anxiously awaits the kick-off whistle of the most important game in Moroccan football’s history.
Wednesday, December 14, a day that young and old will remember, as their Atlas Lions head into Qatar’s Al-Bayt stadium to face 2018 World Cup champions, France.
Although the start of the day was announced with a storm, city dwellers decided to suspend their day-to-day affairs, and gather in masses at various coffee shops and pubs across town.
A particular exception, not seen in previous years’ football gatherings, is the inclusion of more women, who are rooting for their nation’s pride and success since the start of the competition, as they watch the pre-match preparations on the screens decorated with flags and signs supporting the national team.
“Morocco is strong, I believe we can do it, incha-allah,” says Samira, 25, who came with her friends.
“France is good, but our team showed they can beat anyone, so I’m not afraid,” says Hamid, 32, who’s attending with a Morocco scarf around his arm.
Walid Regragui conducted several press conferences during the World Cup, believing that his campaign has one strong motive, which is to generate a winning mentality in Morocco and Africa.
His intention echoed in the supporters’ hearts, with many now believing that winning is not impossible, against the fiercest of opponents, as France’s squad is “perfect”, according to many football professionals.
“This tournament has been one of the best times I’ve had, so many times I recall going out and losing my voice shooting, I couldn’t believe what was happening was true,” Karim, 19, described to Hespress EN on his way to meet his friends.
Many Moroccan supporters did not believe the national team was capable of reaching such lengths, as one supporter describes “I wasn’t even sure we’d get out of the group stage.”
As game time edged closer, several batches of people gathered in front of coffee shops to secure good spots in the perimeters.
Many supporters come very early to coffeeshops, as seats become scarce the closer match time is.
A first come first served mentality reigns, which does not deprive cafe employees of extra chats with customers, to relieve space for others, and the shared stress all Moroccans are experiencing.
Although busy shops witness conflict as space for customers increases in demand, shopkeepers find tournament periods like the World Cup to be rather profitable.
Rachid, a coffee shop waiter in Rabat, claims to prefer planning local reservations, as the familiar faces secure the best spots and best angles to cheer for the Lions.
A Moroccan supporter named Samad, on his way to these fan hubs told Hepsress EN: “We’re witnessing history, I can’t tell you how happy I am, I don’t remember living such moments.”
The streets’ reigning quiet is invaded with car horns, a sign of excitement and festivity that marks the atmosphere in which the city watches its World Cup favorites, and the totality of Morocco’s winning game days.
Morocco will head into the game with unprecedented support from the African continent, and the Arab World, but also, the followers of the “underdog” story of the Atlas Lions defying all odds.
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