Today is an unforgettable day that will be carved forever in the collective memory of Moroccans. What happened? The Moroccan football squad became the first Arab and African team to reach the semifinals of the World Cup.
This is no fluke, Morocco has been advancing steadily through all rounds since the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Qatar on Nov. 18.
The Moroccan team shone in the global tournament, defeating Canada, Belgium and Portugal, and drawing with Croatia.
Today was the breakthrough day. The day the Atlas Lions exceeded all expectations and broke a new ground by becoming one of the four semifinalists.
Fans all over Morocco, the Arab World and Africa are clapping and cheering for the Moroccan champs. The long-awaited victory is sweet.
Here in Rabat, streets, avenues and all other arteries are swarming with people. Crowds are pouring into the streets. The color red is predominantly covering buildings, cars and clothes. Many are chanting the national anthem in a moving, heartening way.
Drums, whistles and ululations are still echoing in the city at midnight. Everyone is laughing, smiling, people are hugging strangers, children are running, jumping, past their bedtime, but it is ok, because today is historic, incredible, and dreamlike.
The Moroccan football team will be facing Wednesday France, the winner of the 2018 World Cup. Our journey so far has taught us one thing: everything is possible.