Atlas Lions face Senegal in final of Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday and Moroccan diaspora scents victory
Atlas Lions face Senegal in final of Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday and Moroccan diaspora scents victory
London’s Little Morocco is brimming with pride and anticipation. The Moroccan diaspora in North Kensington is in no doubt that on Sunday the Atlas Lions will triumph against Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“There’s not just an excitement, it has completely taken over everything else,” said Souad Talsi, who runs the Al-Hasaniya Moroccan women’s centre at the base of 31-storey Trellick Tower, at the north end of Golborne Road.
She added: “There is so much gloom and doom around at the moment and people are depressed about Gaza, but football has given us a respite from all that. It has completely united the Moroccan diaspora and given us a purpose and a sense of belonging.”
Mohamed Chelh said that if Morocco prevail it will be first time they have lifted the Afcon trophy since 1976, a tournament he cannot even remember.
Sipping mint tea in the Trellick Lounge cafe after Friday prayers, he said: “They should win. They’ve got the best team.” He points to Morocco’s success in the last World Cup when they reached the semi-finals and beat Spain and Portugal on the way.
Chelh, who works in a bakery, plans to head to Trafalgar Square to celebrate Morocco’s anticipated victory.
