In total jubilation, Morocco validated its ticket for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday evening by outclassing the Democratic Republic of Congo (4-1 after the first leg 1-1).
A performance celebrated by the whole country, including by the power in place.
The match had just ended a few moments ago in Casablanca when an emissary approached Vahid Halilhodzic, the coach of the Atlas Lions, to warn him that King Mohammed VI was on the line and wanted to speak to him.
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“
Hello?
Yes, that's fine and you your Majesty?
“Replied the former Paris SG striker before raising his arm to ask the stadium to make less noise in order to facilitate the conversation.
A gesture which caused a clamor in the stadium bearing the name of the father of the current king, Mohammed V. The exchange was able to resume in stride: “
Thank you very much!
Qualification and victory for you and your people.
I hope you are happy.
But… ok, it's for you and for my president (of the Moroccan Football Federation, editor's note), for the players and for everyone.
We are all happy.
Thank you very much, your Majesty
,” added “coach Vahid,” surrounded by a swarm of journalists before passing the phone to the captain of the selection, Romain Saïss.
Inch'Allah we will do something beautiful at the World Cup and show a beautiful image of Morocco to the whole world
Romain Saiss
“
Your Majesty, are you okay?
I'm fine and you.
We are very proud to represent this country.
It's a pride, thank you for all you do for us.
Inch'Allah we will do something beautiful at the World Cup and show a beautiful image of Morocco to the whole world.
Thank you very much your Majesty
, ”said the defensive midfielder from Wolverhampton, covering his ear with his finger to better hear the king’s word.
A great promise that will now have to be kept on the lawns of Qatar by trying to do better than four years ago.
In Russia, Morocco had been eliminated in the first round.