Morocco, with the backing from Africa and the Arab world, has stormed into the semi-finals of the World Cup extravaganza after sensationally beating Portugal last night ... much to the delight of the country’s ambassador to the kingdom Mustafa Benkhayi.
Ranked 22nd in the world by Fifa, Morocco had already beaten high-ranking Belgium and Spain in a tournament marked by upsets, causing wild celebrations by its fans.
Leading the celebrations with fellow countrymen and Bahrainis at the Downtown Rotana Hotel, near Manama Suq, the excited envoy said: “It’s incredible! It’s amazing! It’s wonderful!”
“When there is belief anything is possible,” added Mr Benkhayi.
“Our national team is heading to the final, inshallah.
“Our King, our nation, our people, and the Arab and the African communities across the world are backing us. This is an incredible journey and hopefully the happiness continues.”
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Moroccan Fanbase leader Mohammed Doghami, who organised the gathering to watch the match, believes further glory and lifting the trophy is not an impossible dream.
“We can do it,” he said. “Nothing can stop us.”
Morocco becomes the first from the continent to reach a World Cup semi-final by beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal with a single headed goal from Youssef En-Nesyri just before half-time. They played the final few minutes with only 10 men after Walid Cheddira was sent off.
His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent cables of congratulations to King Mohammed VI, on Morocco’s historic victory and qualification to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, making the nation the first Arab country to do so.
They commended the team’s strong performance and wished the Moroccan team continued success. HRH Prince Salman sent similar cables to Crown Prince Moulay Hassan bin Mohammed and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
Morocco are just one step away from making further history and reaching the final.
They will face France who beat England 2-1 last night.
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