World Cup

Morocco have shown that ‘Africa is getting closer’ - Fans laud Atlas Lions’ historic World Cup run

Joel Omotto
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Morocco celebrate.
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The supporters feel the North Africans’ march to the semi-final in Qatar is a statement that the continent is closing the gap

Fans feel Morocco have shown that Africa is closing the gap on the rest of the world following their historic World Cup run.

The Atlas Lions lost the third-place playoff 2-1 to Croatia on Saturday but made history by becoming the first African country to make it to the semi-final after several failed and painful attempts to the delight of supporters on the continent.

While many feel their achievements have inspired the rest, others think it is a statement that Africa is getting closer to the world’s top teams.

Editors' Picks

  1. Morocco wanted the trophy
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    Morocco wanted the trophy

    I think the Moroccans were hoping for the trophy instead not the medals. How they really played well with Belgium, Spain, Portugal and France is not how they played today. Anyways, congratulations for being in the fourth position out of 32 countries. - Nhyiraba Eddy Junior

  2. Africa is getting closer
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    Africa is getting closer

    We are still very proud even more than proud. Africa is getting closer and closer. Thank you, Morocco, for taking us this far. Ubuntu. -Chris Nuttle

    Morocco has been the most outstanding team at the World Cup for me. They have displayed and shown that Africa is ready to be counted amongst the big boys. -Prosper K Mushambi

  4. Pride of Africa
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    Pride of Africa

    Morocco has put in everything into this World Cup. They have made all Africa proud and shown that we can rub shoulders with the best from Europe, Latin America and the rest of the world. One day, an African country might go all the way and lift this prestigious cup. -Adewale Laleru

    Morocco has been the most outstanding team at the World Cup for me. They have displayed and shown that Africa is ready to be counted amongst the big boys. Well done, Morocco you made Africa proud and also won our heart. - Stanlurd Andy

  5. Morocco has inspired others
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    Morocco has inspired others

    Morocco are the true winners of this World Cup edition. Congratulations to team Morocco. Truly inspiring, showed that everyone and every country can achieve anything when we are determined and united. This achievement will forever be etched in the history as among the greatest ever feat. -Rimala Krishnan

    Thank you, Morocco. You dared to dream and you absolutely delivered. The best ever finish by an African nation in the #FIFAWorldCup. You have given the whole of Africa hope in the World Cup. One day, Africa will illuminate the world with the flames of beauty by winning the tournament.

    -Hon Abraham Kirwa

    This Morocco team will go down in record books as the first African team to make the last four of the World Cup. Hopefully, the continent as a whole can be inspired by this for future tournaments. Thank you, Morocco. -Beladj Sadjo

  7. Morocco won our hearts
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    Morocco won our hearts

    Huge respect Morocco. You won our hearts. An unforgettable run. Thank you for the memories, all the best to the Atlas Lions in all their next endeavours. -King Chuks

  8. Morocco have opened the path for Nigeria
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    Morocco have opened the path for Nigeria

    Morocco was actually meant to win the World Cup this year for Africa but the spirit left them. Nigeria will complete the assignment [in the] next World Cup. -Edmond Patrick

  9. Morocco did not learn against France
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    Morocco did not learn against France

    The same mistake Morocco made against France. Conceding an early goal and not taking their chances. Well, they have tried. Congrats to Morocco for representing Africa well. -Oyedeji Owolawi

  10. Now win Afcon
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    Now win Afcon

    Job well done the Atlas Lions. It was a close one. Next is Afcon, with that display, go for the win with that golden generation. -Andy PK Malebe

  12. Morocco should be ranked fourth
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    Morocco should be ranked fourth

    This far Morocco has come is a big plus for African football. What I would accept to see in that Fifa ranking is Morocco at number four. Well above the likes of Brazil, Belgium, Spain, England, Germany, Portugal, etc. -Hussein Yahya

  13. Morocco’s quality unmatched
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    Morocco’s quality unmatched

    Morocco can be so proud of their World Cup. [Yassine] Bounou outstanding as both keeper & leader. Captain Romain Saiss solid at the back. Achraf Hakimi the heartbeat of the team. Hakim Ziyech brilliant all tournament. Sofyan Amrabat & Azzedine Ounahi two of the top midfielders in Qatar. -@JacobsBen