In 2014, Morocco became the backdrop for Auckland City’s greatest football story, as the amateur team stunned the world by defeating Moroccan champions Moghreb Tétouan and Africa’s ES Sétif in the FIFA Club World Cup, earning the respect and cheers of Moroccan fans, “Oceanian Football” wrote.
Captain Ivan Vicelich vividly remembers the electrifying atmosphere in Rabat and Marrakech. “The Moroccan fans were incredible,” he says. “When we played Moghreb Tétouan, the stadium was packed, and you could feel their passion for the game. But as we fought on, they started cheering for us. It was surreal.”
The victory over Moghreb Tétouan in front of 35,000 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium set the tone for their journey. Moroccan supporters, initially skeptical, embraced the underdogs from New Zealand as they defied expectations. By the time Auckland defeated ES Sétif, Moroccan crowds had fully embraced them, their chants echoing through the stadium.
“Morocco gave us so much—its energy, its love for football, and the belief that we could achieve the impossible,” Vicelich recalls. “The connection we built with the Moroccan fans made this tournament unforgettable.”
For Auckland City, Morocco became more than just a host country. The team’s spirit resonated with local fans, who saw their determination as a reflection of their own footballing passion. “The support from Moroccan fans felt like having a second home,” said Vicelich. “They gave us strength to push through every game, even when we were under immense pressure.”
Coach Ramon Tribulietx, who masterminded Auckland’s tactics, also acknowledged Morocco’s unique influence. “The atmosphere in Morocco was extraordinary,” he said. “The fans there live football, and their energy pushed us to deliver our best. It felt like they respected our story, and that motivated the players to keep fighting.”
Even during the New Zealand team’s semi-final loss to Argentina’s San Lorenzo, the Moroccan crowd stood behind the Kiwis. “Hearing Moroccan fans cheer when we scored against San Lorenzo was a moment I’ll never forget,” Vicelich said. “They didn’t see us as outsiders anymore. We were their team for the tournament.”
The experience in Morocco remains a cherished memory for Auckland City. It wasn’t just about winning matches; it was about building connections and earning respect in a football-loving country. As Vicelich puts it, “Morocco gave us the stage, the belief, and the fans who turned our story into something magical.”