Marrakech’s iconic Jemaa El-Fna square became a bustling hub of excitement as thousands gathered to witness the highly anticipated World Cup quarter-final match between France and Morocco. The atmosphere was vibrant and family-friendly, with spectators remaining engaged and spirited until the final whistle, which marked France's 2-0 victory. The crowd's reaction was particularly noteworthy when Kylian Mbappé missed a penalty at 21:28 local time; instead of expressing frustration towards the player, the applause was directed towards Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, highlighting a sense of camaraderie and respect among the fans.
During halftime, discussions among the spectators turned towards the performance of key players, with many praising Bounou's exceptional skills while expressing regret over missed opportunities, particularly after an Adrien Rabiot handball led to a free-kick situation. Suggestions arose that Hakimi should have allowed Brahim to take the free-kick, indicating the tactical discussions that permeated the gathering. One fan, who attended alone, humorously remarked that his toddler was too young to join in the fun with the popular vuvuzelas.
As the second half commenced, the energy in the square intensified when Mbappé finally scored in the 60th minute, eliciting cheers from the crowd, which included around 50 dedicated French supporters scattered throughout. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi made strategic changes, bringing on Rahimi shortly after, but the locals began to leave as Ousmane Dembélé's influence on the game increased. The night concluded on a calm note, with fans folding their camping chairs and sharing rounds of applause for the players.
Among the vendors in the square was Mustapha, a Senegalese vendor who has lived in Morocco for 14 years and passionately supports the national team. He humorously suggested calling upon marabouts to help curb the talents of Mbappé and Olise, while also expressing his support for Morocco, as victories in football translate into sales for his merchandise and potentially fund his dream of owning a Lamborghini. The market atmosphere in Marrakech has continued to evolve, with an increasing number of traders from sub-Saharan Africa setting up stalls, catering to families exploring henna and braiding options. Notably, Hakimi’s No. 2 jersey remains a bestseller, while shirt-seller Mohssine pointed out that Bouaddi is emerging as a popular choice among fans, with prices ranging from 120 to 240 dirhams before negotiations.
As reported by onefootball.com.
