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Marrakech – In a remarkable display of footballing prowess, Morocco made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by securing the bronze medal in the men’s football tournament.
The Atlas Lions’ resounding 6-0 victory over Egypt in the third-place match at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes marked the nation’s first-ever Olympic football medal.
Morocco’s captain and star player, Achraf Hakimi, believes this achievement can serve as a catalyst for future success.
Speaking to FIFA after the match, Hakimi emphasized the significance of the medal, especially in the wake of the team’s historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“This medal means a lot after the World Cup, where we made history and opened many doors both in our country and for other countries,” Hakimi stated.
“We have made people in Africa believe that we can also achieve things. This means a lot for our country and for the next generation.”
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back also highlighted the potential impact on young Moroccan footballers, saying: “There are kids who play in our country, who are eligible for two nationalities. However, when they see these things happening in Morocco, everyone makes a case for choosing Morocco to help us make this country greater.”
Morocco’s coach, Tarik Sektioui, echoed Hakimi’s sentiments, celebrating the milestone as a sign of progress for Moroccan football.
“This fills all Moroccans with pride. It shows that football is moving in the right direction, and we are making good progress. Moroccan football is pushing to become a global power,” he said.
Playmaker Ilias Akhomach offered insight into the team’s mentality, stating: “This is what Morocco is all about. We have a great team, top players and incredible talent.”
Read also: King Mohammed VI Congratulates Olympic Team for Historic Bronze Medal at Paris 2024
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the gold medal, Akhomach acknowledged the significance of the bronze, which Morocco had never won before in its history.
The team’s success was spearheaded by striker Soufiane Rahimi, who scored eight goals at the tournament, becoming the first player to find the net in six consecutive matches at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament.
Akhomach praised his teammate, saying: “Rahimi is great, he’s something else. I’ve played alongside him in other competitions. I knew what he was capable of and we had a very good understanding between us at these Games. He has had an excellent tournament.”
The Moroccan team’s achievements at the World Cup and the Olympics have been fueled by the country’s intense passion for football.
As Akhomach explained, “If you go to any street in Morocco, you will find people playing football. It reminds me a lot of Brazil, of what you see in videos. It’s something truly amazing and we have that built into us.”
With this historic bronze medal, Morocco has not only made its mark on the Olympic stage but has also provided inspiration for aspiring footballers across the nation and the African continent.
