Morocco’s star players celebrated the team’s latest spectacular World Cup win with some of their biggest fans.
After knocking out Portugal in the quarter-final, the mothers and sons of players took to the pitch for the after-game party, joining in the cheers and taking in the love of the fans who have so far lit up several of the Qatar stadiums.
Morocco have exceeded expectations with their march to the World Cup semi-finals — and they’re enjoying the rewards.
Before Portugal, they knocked out Spain in the last 16 and sent Belgium them home in the group stages. The only match they have not won at this year's World Cup was against Croatia, and that was a draw.
After the Portugal match on Saturday, Sofiane Boufal celebrated with his mother. Head coach Walid Regragui also found his mother Fatima in the crowd.
Achraf Hakimi was seen dancing with defender Romain Saiss and his son.
Yassine Bounou, named man of the match on Saturday, played with his son, who tried on his father's huge goalkeeper gloves.
The team's families have been allowed to stay nearby the squad, meaning the players feel the bond which in many cases led to them choosing to play for Morocco.
Several players, including Hakimi, were born elsewhere but opted to represent the North African nation.
A picture of Hakimi, 24, kissing his mother in the stands, after their 2-0 group stage win over Belgium, was widely shared on social media.
“For me, my mum is the most important thing in my life,” said an elated Boufal, who was born in France, after the win over Spain.
“Of course [she was crying], the emotions in this game make you crazy. The support of your family is the most important thing.”
They were there again on Saturday to see the defeat of Portugal that set up a semi-final against France. Were they to beat the French, Morocco would face Argentina or Croatia in the World Cup final.
If you go...
Flying
There is no simple way to get to Punta Arenas from the UAE, with flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi requiring at least two connections to reach this part of Patagonia. Flights start from about Dh6,250.
Touring
Chile Nativo offers the amended Los Dientes trek with expert guides and porters who are met in Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino. The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas and lasts for six days in total. Prices start from Dh8,795.
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
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FA Cup quarter-final draw
The matches will be played across the weekend of 21 and 22 March
Sheffield United v Arsenal
Newcastle v Manchester City
Norwich v Derby/Manchester United
Leicester City v Chelsea
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Walls
Louis Tomlinson
3 out of 5 stars
(Syco Music/Arista Records)
Match info:
Wolves 1
Boly (57')
Manchester City 1
Laporte (69')
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
