Rabat – Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch has commended the national football team’s qualification to the semi-finals of the World Cup, noting that the Atlas Lions’ “lesson in determination” has made Moroccans proud.
“First, congratulations to us for this happiness. Congratulations to us for this excellence, and for the congratulations of the world and its leaders towards our country and king,” Akhannouch said as he opened his intervention during a monthly parliament session dedicated to questions for the prime minister.
“From this platform, I would like to salute the Moroccan players, coach Regragui, the technical staff, the federation, the federation’s president, and everyone who contributed to these historic moments,” he continued.
The head of government went on to say that the Atlas Lions delivered “a great accomplishment for the country,” and that they gave a lesson in determination.
Akhannouch recently congratulated the team on his social media accounts as well, writing following the Atlas Lions’ win: “Thank you champions! The Moroccan team’s qualification to the World Cup semi-finals, as the first Arab and African team to achieve this feat, is a source of pride for all Moroccans.”
Today’s parliament session saw most attendants wearing celebratory red and green scarves, with congratulatory phrases for the Moroccan team written on them.
Morocco defeated Portugal 1-0 on Saturday in a historic win that saw the team become the first one from Africa and the Arab world to ever make it to the competition’s semi-finals.
The victory brought several messages of congratulations from various celebrities, heads of states, and football legends, including Shakira, Senegalese President Macky Sall, and Mesut Ozil.
Read also: ‘World Class’: International Outlets Celebrate Morocco’s Win
