World: the Atlas Lions welcomed as heroes on their return to Morocco

They were welcomed as heroes.

After an incredible epic which led them to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions were received in Rabat by tens of thousands of Moroccans.

A dense, joyful crowd of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the end of the afternoon on Tuesday along the route taken by the red double-decker bus where Walid Regragui's men were perched, from the airport to to the avenues of the center of the Moroccan capital.

"I came to celebrate the beautiful history of Morocco in the World Cup, and even if some decisions of the referees were not fair," said Adam Najah, 27, a restaurant server who came from Meknes on purpose, to more than 150 km from Rabat, to “live this historic day”.

“I am proud of the national team.

Who knows ?

We will win the cup maybe next time, ”he hopes.

A ceremony with King Mohammed VI

Waiting for hours, many supporters wore the flag and the scarlet jerseys of the Cherifian kingdom.

In front of the station, they cracked smoke bombs amid the clamor.

The entire team, which made all of Morocco dream and beyond its borders, by achieving an unprecedented feat for an African or Arab team, was to be received in the evening by King Mohammed VI for "a ceremony of welcome and celebration in recognition of his historic achievement.