Morocco's World Cup triumphs have earned them praise from Africa and the Arab world, even their rivals Algeria.
Morocco's World Cup triumphs have earned them praise from Africa and the Arab world. Still, things are a little more tricky in its neighbor and geopolitical adversary, Algeria.
The Atlas Lions defeated a slew of higher-ranked European teams to advance to the World Cup semifinals, becoming the first African or Arab side to do so while garnering praise from Dakar to Dubai.
Despite difficult matches, Algerians support Morocco's World Cup success
Many common Algerians have supported their neighbor's success, whether out of authentic North African camaraderie or soccer fans' universal desire to partake in sporting glory.
Mehdi Belkassam, 25, an Algiers kebab vendor, said, "I feel like I must support Morocco - neighbors, brothers, and Muslims."
However, Algeria's leadership has ignored Morocco's soccer accomplishments this winter due to years of tense relations and a protracted, complicated past marked by recriminations.
Also, television networks even censored some of the team's successes. The government of Algeria, which severed ties with Rabat in 2021 due to years of deteriorating relations, has been noticeably silent as other Arab and African nations have extended formal congratulations.
The point of contention between the two nations is the disputed area of Western Sahara, which Algeria supports as the site of an armed independence movement. At the same time, Morocco claims it as its own.
Read Also: Morocco and Algeria: A Long Rivalry
However, other disagreements have also been, such as espionage claims and Morocco's normalization of relations with Israel. Even the design of an Algerian soccer shirt sparked debate this year.
THE ONE PEOPLE
"If we concentrate on politics, Morocco is an opponent since it chose to be friends with Israel. But politics have no place in soccer. I have backed Morocco during this World Cup because of this, "claimed Miloud Mohamed, an Algiers cab driver.
The stakes for North African soccer fans have increased again with Morocco's upcoming match against France. This former colonial state-controlled both nations and is home to hundreds of thousands of individuals who claim North African ancestry.
However, other disagreements have also been, such as espionage claims and Morocco's normalization of relations with Israel. Even the design of an Algerian soccer shirt sparked debate this year.
The Algerian ancestry of numerous prominent French players did present a dilemma for the kebab vendor Belkassam regarding his choice of support, he claimed. But, but, he continued, "But I'll stand with Moroccans against France.
The colonial background made a choice easier for 65-year-old Abdallah Shikh. He declared, "We are all with Morocco."
The possibility of a semifinal battle against "Les Bleus" united the numerous Algerians and Moroccans who have resided in France, sharing an experience of life in a foreign country where they are frequently the subject of hatred.
"You can't find a line between Moroccans and Algerians because it's a city that merges Casablanca and Algiers, a metropolis of at least a million people from the Maghreb region."
This was attested by Rachid Oufkir, a Moroccan who had lived in Paris for 12 years. People in Rabat rejoiced at the prospect of soccer bringing them and Algerians closer together.
This is in celebration of their team's victory and the greetings of fellow supporters from Africa and the Middle East. Oumar Id Tnain, a museum employee, stated that "this victory and the impromptu festivities that followed are increasing Moroccan-Algerian brotherliness."
He declared, "To us, Algerians and Moroccans are one people.