Tension and excitement are palpable in London's North Kensington as the Moroccan diaspora prepares to cheer on their Atlas Lions at the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal. The community is united in their fervent support for the team, with many locals confidently predicting a Moroccan victory.
For Souad Talsi, who runs the Al-Hasaniya Moroccan women's centre, football has provided an escape from the gloom and despair that seems to be affecting the world at large. "Football reminds us that people are not always bad and people can come together and forget their differences," she explains. The centre's screens have been showing all of Morocco's tournament games, including a build-up programme on Maghreb TV.
Mohamed Chelh, who works in a bakery, is similarly optimistic about the team's chances. He points to their success in the last World Cup, reaching the semi-finals and beating Spain and Portugal along the way. If Morocco wins, it would be their first Afcon title since 1976, a moment he believes will bring immense pride.
The community's enthusiasm has been building throughout the tournament, with cafes and social clubs hosting watch parties and household gatherings. Mohamed Rhiam, an Uber driver who recently returned from a visit to relatives in Casablanca, reflects on the atmosphere: "The atmosphere was crazy." While some have expressed concerns about the money spent on stadiums rather than public services, he believes football still makes him proud.
For Lailah Khallouk, a senior outreach worker at the women's centre, football is more of a curiosity than a passion. However, her 11-year-old son Adam is an ardent fan, and she admits that the tournament has brought them all together. "It's something that brings us all together," she says.
As the final approaches, Souad Talsi plans to watch the game with her extended family, including her 85-year-old mother, brothers, and their children after a meal of couscous. With hundreds predicted to gather at the Trellick Lounge cafe on Sunday, it's clear that this is more than just a sporting event – it's a celebration of Moroccan culture and community.
For Souad Talsi, who runs the Al-Hasaniya Moroccan women's centre, football has provided an escape from the gloom and despair that seems to be affecting the world at large. "Football reminds us that people are not always bad and people can come together and forget their differences," she explains. The centre's screens have been showing all of Morocco's tournament games, including a build-up programme on Maghreb TV.
Mohamed Chelh, who works in a bakery, is similarly optimistic about the team's chances. He points to their success in the last World Cup, reaching the semi-finals and beating Spain and Portugal along the way. If Morocco wins, it would be their first Afcon title since 1976, a moment he believes will bring immense pride.
The community's enthusiasm has been building throughout the tournament, with cafes and social clubs hosting watch parties and household gatherings. Mohamed Rhiam, an Uber driver who recently returned from a visit to relatives in Casablanca, reflects on the atmosphere: "The atmosphere was crazy." While some have expressed concerns about the money spent on stadiums rather than public services, he believes football still makes him proud.
For Lailah Khallouk, a senior outreach worker at the women's centre, football is more of a curiosity than a passion. However, her 11-year-old son Adam is an ardent fan, and she admits that the tournament has brought them all together. "It's something that brings us all together," she says.
As the final approaches, Souad Talsi plans to watch the game with her extended family, including her 85-year-old mother, brothers, and their children after a meal of couscous. With hundreds predicted to gather at the Trellick Lounge cafe on Sunday, it's clear that this is more than just a sporting event – it's a celebration of Moroccan culture and community.
so like morocco's team is playin for africa cup final and ppl r all hyped 
its cool that football can bring ppl together tho 
but u know how many ppl say that before lol? like "football is gonna unite the world" or whatever 
anyway, i dunno bout this one... morocco did pretty well in world cup tho 
but semis r not the same as afcon final 
dont get me wrong, its gonna be fun to watch lol 
but u gotta fact-check before u start cheerin or somethin 
. Meanwhile, some people are still struggling to get by on minimum wage 
. It's just not right that football is bringing together an entire community like this, but at what cost? 
I mean, I'm happy for Morocco and all, but let's not forget about the bigger picture here... 
I mean, they're all hyped up but Senegal's been crushing it in the tournament so far and their team is way more experienced. And don't even get me started on the fact that Morocco's spent a ton of money on stadiums instead of public services... like, what's the point of winning the Afcon if you can't take care of your own people? 
. I'm loving how the community's got all the Moroccan women's centre screens showing the games and even hosting watch parties at cafes 
. And Mohamed Rhiam's right, it's an amazing feeling, especially when you think about the pride Morocco will feel if they win 
️ It's amazing how football can bring people together like that, you know? The energy in North Kensington is electric! 
I love how Souad Talsi talks about football as a reminder that we're all human and can put our differences aside. And I'm literally hyped for Morocco to win – it would be such an incredible moment for the community! 
The fact that cafes and social clubs are hosting watch parties and gatherings just shows how much this means to people. It's not just about the game, it's about sharing in each other's joy and excitement. 
I'm sure Lailah Khallouk and her family have a blast watching the final with their extended family – who wouldn't want to spend time together over some delicious couscous? 
. I mean, Senegal has been killing it in the tournament so far and Morocco's gonna have to bring their A game if they wanna take home that Afcon title 
- football really does have a way of bringing people together across cultures and backgrounds 
. On one hand, I'm stoked for the Moroccan team but also feel bad for Senegal who's gonna be so disappointed if they lose 
. And yeah, it's interesting to see how this all affects the community - like, cafes and social clubs are hosting watch parties and household gatherings, which is just amazing 
And Morocco's got this! Their squad has come so far since the last World Cup and they've already beaten some big teams. I mean, Senegal's gonna be tough, but I'm feeling the Atlas Lions all the way to victory 
. It's not just about the team, it's about the community too - everyone's coming together, sharing food and drinks, and having a blast 
!
they got destroyed by senegal in the semis and their chances of winning are slim to none 
I'm loving how football has brought the Moroccan diaspora in London together! 
️ and I'm sure it'll be an unforgettable experience for everyone there. It's amazing how something as simple as a game can bring so much joy and pride 
Morocco's got this! 
️
. anyway, im sending all my good vibes to the moroccan team on sunday! 
. Anyway, back to the Atlas Lions – I'm kinda rooting for Senegal myself, but only because I heard their team has some seriously sick hairstyles 
.
, but honestly who needs to win when you have couscous and family to share it with? 
. Im curious to see if Morocco can bring home that Afcon title for the first time in a long while 
.
? It's all about the community and unity, and that's what makes this tournament so special