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Rabat – American poet and memoirist Maya Angelou once said: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
The quote hits differently when one looks at it following a heartbreaking event like Morocco’s defeat against South Africa on Tuesday. The loss marked the Atlas Lions’ exit from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Cote d’Ivoire.
The harsh defeat set Morocco back from reaching its long-awaited dream; Taking home the AFCON trophy for the second time in the country’s history.
The Atlas Lions, however, fell short of reaching their anticipated goal due to a disheartening and dramatic 2-0 loss against Bafana Bafana.
This defeat took place at a significant moment when all eyes were on the Atlas Lions, considered a favorite to win the AFCON, particularly after the exits of North African giants like Egypt and Tunisia, as well as the recently crowned champion Senegal.
The bitter defeat was met by disappointment, heartbreak, and tears from both players and fans.
Many Atlas Lions as well as the head coach of the national squad, Walid Regragui, took to the press to assume responsibility, apologizing to fans for the defeat.
Read Also: Romain Saiss Apologizes to Moroccan Fans After Early AFCON Exit
These moments emphasize the crucial importance of rallying behind the Atlas Lions, as numerous fans maintain hope that better times lie ahead– especially with Morocco securing the hosting rights for 2025 AFCON.
This support has been evident, as many have expressed their appreciation for the Atlas Lions urging the continuation of hope and backing the Atlas Lions even in the face of the defeat.
Many social media users launched hashtags including #AtlasLions and #Fourthintheworld, referencing Morocco’s team heroics during the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, where Morocco’s national team emerged as semi-finalists.
During the competition, the Atlas Lions contributed to positioning Morocco as the only Arab and African team to finish as fourth best team in the global tournament as a semi-finalist.
“We need to turn the page on the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and focus on the 2025 edition, which will take place in Morocco, as well as the 2030 World Cup. Full support to the national team,” an X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.
Another user expressed support for the national team, stressing that Moroccan people are behind the Atlas Lions whatever the scoreline is.
Additional X users showed their pride, stressing that the national team did what they could. “Thanks to our sons. You did what you could. The best is yet to come.”
Many also expressed compassion and support for Achraf Hakimi, who missed a penalty during yesterday’s game against South Africa.
One X user wrote, “In football, there is always victory and defeat, missed opportunities and other seized.” They continued, ” Experts can discuss the mistakes and what needs correction, and I will suffice by saying that Moroccans rise after every setback, and we will continue to dream because one day we will achieve the second trophy. Thanks to Achraf and the rest of our national team players and staff.”
Another X user extended his support for Hakimi, saying “We love you @Achraf Hakimi.”
Hakimi took to his social pages on Tuesday, extending his apology for not being able to score the penalty.
“Today is a very difficult and sad day for our elimination. I want to apologize for the penalty; I took the responsibility to help the team, but unfortunately, it did not work out.” The player continued, “ I want to thank the entire Moroccan people for their support, especially all those who came to Cote d’Ivoire. We will rise again and come back stronger for the future.”
Post the loss, another topic has been driving fans into the conversation, and that is the continued career of head coach Reggragui with the Moroccan national squad. The coach had previously vowed to step down if the Atlas Lions did not reach the semi-final of the continental tournament.
However, many fans disagree with this decision, refusing to see the coach separated from the squad due to the AFCON setback.
“I honestly see no real reason why Walid Regragui should step down as Morocco’s coach. He’s still got it and has a squad that can have a chance at the trophy in 202,” football journalist Micky JNR wrote on X.
In a post-game conference, Regragui said that he and the Moroccan Football Federation will assess the Atlas Lion’s performance during the AFCON and make decisions for the team’s benefit.
“Yes we failed, but we will all sit together…we have time right now…and we will make the best decision for Morocco,” he said.
Fans continue to support the coach, especially taking into account the heroics made during the World Cup.
“Even if we don’t win this 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, I will be proud of this generation of players, and the legend ‘Avocado head’ Walid Regraguo who managed to create a familial bond within this team that [former head coach] Vahid has not achieved at all,” a user on X said.
