Members of the Atlas Lions of Morocco and officials received royal awards from the country’s monarch, King Mohammed VI, following the team’s impressive performance at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco made history in Qatar as they became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
According to Moroccan national news agency MAP EXPRESS, following the team’s arrival from Qatar on Tuesday, King Mohammed VI, in company of his sons, Prince Moulay El Hassan and Prince Moulay Rachid, hosted the players , their mothers, coaching crew and the country’s Football Federation president Fawzi Lakjaa in Rabat.
During the reception, King Mohammed VI decorated the federation president and head coach Walid Regragui with the Order of the Throne (Rank Of Commander).
The king then decorated all the Atlas Lions 26-man squad with Order of the Throne (Rank Of Officer)
Also, he instructed that royal medals should be handed to all members of the technical and medical staff of the national team, in appreciation of their exceptional work in Qatar.
After that, the King together with his sons took a memorial photo with the members of the national team and their mothers.
Prior to meeting the king, the players were welcomed on arrival by thousands of fans who lined up to catch a glimpse of their heroes.
Morocco opened their campaign in Qatar with a goalless draw with Croatia, before recording victories against Belgium and Canada to top their group and advance into the round of 16.
It was the first time the North Africans would progress from the group stage since Mexico 1986.
And in the first knockout stage, Morocco overcame Spain on penalties before pipping Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
Unfortunately, their impressive run came to a halt as they lost 2-0 to France in the semis before going down 2-1 to Croatia in the third-place match.
3 Comments
You see this thing of freezing quality players out of the team because of the coach selfish reasons as much as favoritism towards other players irrespective of form heads no positive return. Look new coach brings back Ziyech and the rest is history.. look at Rohr had a nack for such stupid behavior. Alot has ti change in Nigeria from behavior of coach’s NFF officials players alike and most importantly what the fans are willing to accept and deem tolerable.. well done Morocco. Keep setting examples for so called self proclaim giant of Africa to Follow.
Congratulations to Morocco for making Africa proud. My since appreciation to the King for honouring the prayers and officials as this will motivate others to do more.
This is a deserved wonderful appreciation which included mothers of the players. Which
Nigerian Government, honoring its citizens to include parents of the awardee. Instead,
the money meant for that will be shared by highly placed individuals vested with the responsibility of organizing such event.