Rabat – Out of all the achievements, Morocco’s battle that led them to the World Cup semi-finals marked not only the biggest achievement this year, but in sporting history for all Arab and African nations. Let’s dive in and re-visit some of 2022’s memorable wins.
Atlas Lions Historic FIFA World Cup Journey
Morocco proved to be the underdog of the World Cup competition as they managed to beat some of the most formidable teams, namely Spain, Portugal, and Belgium. Despite Morocco’s semi-final loss against France 2-0, the journey remains a model for all African and Arab football nations.
Atlas Lions’ coach Walid Regragui was also nominated for the 2022 Best Coach Award following his performances in this year’s World Cup. He is also the first coach to bring an African or Arab team to the semi-finals.
Morocco qualified for the quarter-finals after defeating Spain on penalties scoring 3-0, with the help of “iron man” and the nominee of FIFA’s goalkeeper of the year Yassine Bounou, who fought off all Spain’s attempts.
Morocco’s historic journey continued with their win against Portugal scoring 1-0, a win so strong that it reduced Portuguese football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, to tears.
Ultimately Morocco finished in fourth place after being defeated by Croatia 2-1 in its feat for the 2022 World Cup’s bronze medal. Nevertheless, the team received the warmest of welcome from their fans and a royal reception on their arrival to Morocco from Qatar.
In the aftermath of the thrilling tournament, Morocco was also confirmed to host the FIFA Club World Cup taking place in Rabat and Tangier in February 2023.
Women’s Football Became more popular
Moroccan Women’s football also gained recognition, sponsorships, and global interest in 2022.
Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses qualified for the finals after defeating Nigeria on penalties during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on April 29.
The Moroccan women’s football U17’s team made history by defeating Niger scoring an outstanding 11-0 victory during the final round of the African qualifiers in Niger.
The Atlas Lionesses also secured their first ticket to the 2023 World Cup tour after defeating Botswana scoring a 2 -1 victory in July.Four Moroccan women were selected as referees for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Morocco’s El Bakkali Rakes in Gold Medals
Morocco’s Olympic champion athlete Soufiane El Bakkali gained global recognition after an amazing 2022 in which he won Morocco’s first ever World Athletics Championships gold medal in the 3,000 meter steeplechase after similarly winning gold in the 2022 Doha Wanda Diamond League and finishing first at the Diamond League in Rabat. .
In a year that saw a strong line-up of runners participating in global athletics, El Bakkali set himself apart, receiving a nomination for the Men’s World Athlete of the Year award by World Athletics. His strong performances in 2022 come after claiming Morocco’s first Olympic gold medal in the 3,000 meter steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics.
After two strong years, the 26-year old athlete is likely looking forward to another year of podium finishes as he prepares for 2023.
Morocco wins in windsurfing
Morocco’s local windsurfing team won the African Windsurfing Championship which took place in Ponta Preta (Cape Verde) from March 18 to 28.
President of the Royal Moroccan University of Surfing and African Windsurfing Confederation, Mohamed El Kadmiri expressed his satisfaction regarding the national team’s performances during the tournament.
On December 2022, the surfer Ramzi Boukhiam became the first Moroccan and African to qualify for the Championship Tour 2023, the most prestigious worldwide surfing competition held in Hawaii.
Moroccans Multiples Medals in Martial Sports
Morocco has achieved several wins in martial arts this year including kickboxing and taekwondo. In May, Morocco’s national kickboxing B team won one gold, one silver, and seven bronze medals in the seventh International Kickboxing World Cup held in Istanbul.
Morocco’s Mohamed Yassine Mahsoun won the gold medal after defeating Turkiye’s Karkoz Hazan in the final fight competing in the under 67kg category.
The country has also won six medals in the African championship held between August 26 to 28 in Johannesburg, South Africa. During the tournament, Moroccan kickboxers secured one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.
On August 20, Moroccan well-known kickboxer Jamal Ben Saddik captured global attention after knocking-out Romania’s Benjamin Adegbuyi and ranked second in the heavyweight category.
Morocco Wins 64 Medals in Islamic Solidarity Games
Morocco won 15 gold, 13 silver, and 34 bronze medals during the Islamic Games which took place from August 9 to 18 in Turkiye. The Islamic Solidarity Games competition aims to promote the potential of athletes from Islamic nations.
Morocco also ranked sixth highest medal-earning country thanks to his athletic performances in the competition. In total 177 Moroccan athletes (126 men and 51 women) participated in 16 sports including kickboxing, karate, and petanque among others.
Futsal Continental Championship Win
The Moroccan Futsal team won the continent’s Futsal Championship after defeating Iran in the final. In a competition held in Bangkok (Thailand) from September 11 to 16, the Atlas Lions defeated their opponents 4-3.
The win follows the Atlas Lions’ great achievements in the tournament including their win in the Arab Futsal Cup held last June in Dammam (Saudi Arabia).
After the victory, Morocco’s ranking in the sport has improved, placing the country first in the Arab region and the African continent placing the country eighth worldwide, moving up five spots from 2021.
Morocco’s Performances in Amputee Football World Cup
Morocco’s national amputee football team has qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time in history. In a competition held in Istanbul from September 30 to October 9, the Atlas Lions defeated Ireland 4-3.
The national team also won two friendly games against Iraq (3-0) and Tanzania (4-2) highlighting players’ determination to achieve.
Morocco’s Handisports Competitors Shine
Morocco’s paralympic competitors achieved remarkable performances in international competitions this year. Morocco’s participation in the World Boccia Africa Regional Championship came to a close with two gold medals, one bronze, and two qualifications for World Boccia Championship in Brazil.
Morocco’s national team for blind football qualified for the finals after defeating Nigeria, scoring a 4-0 victory in the CAN World Cup held in El Mansouria from September 17 to 23.
The team also knocked out Mali and Egypt scoring a 4-0 and a 3-0 victory respectively.
Morocco’s team has secured a ticket for the 2023 World Games taking place at the University of Birmingham in England from August 18 to 27. Moreover, they will also participate in the 2024’s Paralympic Games taking place in Paris.
This year has brought many sporting opportunities for the country to show its talent on the African and global stage.
