Algerian Writer to Atlas Lions: ‘Thank you for Sowing Hope, Inspiring Young Talents’

Algerian writer Mohammed Moulessehoul, known as Yasmina Khadra, has joined the chorus of admirers of the Moroccan national football team's exploits at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Rabat – Algerian writer Mohammed Moulessehoul, known as Yasmina Khadra, has joined the chorus of admirers of the Moroccan national football team’s exploits at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The writer took to facebook on December 17 to congratulate the Atlas Lions on showing “incredible bravery” and “selflessness” during their run to the semi-finals of the World Cup. Thanks to their incredible performances in Qatar, the Algerian author wrote, the Moroccan team has “earned respect from all corners of the globe.”

The Atlas Lions sparked excitement in the stadiums, pubs, and public squares, exceeding expectations at the World Cup and winning the admiration of children and adults around the world, especially in Africa and the MENA region, said the Algerian author.

“You have been the most compassionate team, without a doubt one of the most beautiful revelations of the last decades. You have not only made Morocco popular around the world, but you have also made Africa proud,” Khadra wrote.

“Return home, you have won hearts and minds and cemented your place in footballing history. Thank you for sowing hope, which will not fail to inspire young talents in Morocco, the Maghreb, Africa, and around the world,” Khadra continued.

The writer is not the only famous Algerian to have celebrated Morocco’s Atlas Lions.

Last week, Algerian international and Manchester City player lauded the Atlas Lions’ playing style and tactics at the FIFA World Cup, saying that they made Arabs and Africans proud.

The Manchester City winger highlighted the Atlas Lions’ recent victories in an interview with Sky News Arabia, saying: “It’s amazing, they are doing a really good job, they beat some good teams, and they are making the Arabs and Africa proud, and I hope they will continue to do so.”

He added: “They are a good team, they have good tactics, they stay very low on the counter, I think everyone is giving it everything, they are a proper good team and everyone works for each other.”