Back in Morocco, the Atlas Lions, led by their president, streamer Ilyas El Malki, were warmly welcomed at Rabat-Salé airport by representatives of the FRMF and the media.
A welcome which reflects the recognition of supporters and sporting authorities, after the team’s performance during this first participation in the Kings League World Cup. A competition that is gaining more and more popularity.
The journey of Mjid El Khal’s men began on January 2 with a defeat in the opening match against Colombia (4-1). However, they quickly recovered in the repechage match against Ukraine, which they won comfortably with a score of 9-2. Nadir Louah stood out by scoring three goals (01′, 20′, 20+1′), while Zakaria Hadraf and Saoud each scored a goal. Mehdi Amri and Louah added double counting goals thanks to the Goal x2 rule.
Proud to represent Morocco
Captain M’barek Boussoufa said he was satisfied with the Atlas Lions’ performance, despite the failure in the semi-final. “It all started with fun, and we found ourselves in the semi-final”he declared with a smile, before adding that: “When it comes to defending the colors of our country, we are always ready to give our best.”
Read also: What exactly is the Kings World Cup Nation?
In the round of 16, the Moroccan selection faced Japan and won 4-2, thanks to a great performance from Issam Erraki, as well as the star duo of the competition, Nadir Louah and Fuad El Amrani, authors of two goals each.
Mehdi Amri, Moroccan freestyler and three-time Pannahouse Invitationals world champion (2020, 2021, 2022), also participated in the competition. “Representing Morocco in a competition of this level was a new experience, especially with the 7vs7 format”he explained, while thanking the FRMF and King Mohammed VI for their support of national sport.
An edition in Morocco?
Ilyas El Malki stressed that this performance was the result of collective work and the support of Moroccan supporters. “Each victory was celebrated as it should be, and after each match, Faouzi Lekjaa was there to encourage the players”he said.
“With a 55% chance, the next edition of the Kings League could be organized in Morocco, more precisely in Marrakech.”
— Ilyas El Malki
For Nadir Louah, second top scorer in the competition with 7 goals, expressed his wish to see Morocco win the next edition of the Kings League. An ambition shared by all members of the delegation, determined to carry the national colors even higher.
The quarter-final against the United States was a real turning point. In a tense confrontation, the Moroccans were trailing from the first half. However, thanks to the performances of Nadir Louah and Fuad El Amrani, the score was 7-7 at the end of normal time, with Louah scoring a crucial goal under the Goal x2 rule. Morocco finally won the penalty shootout, a first in the history of this competition.
Issam Erraki, former player of AS FAR and Raja de Casablanca, welcomed the team’s participation. “We began to understand the subtleties of this discipline, until our defeat in the first match against Colombia”he confided.
The unexpected star of this team was Said El Aouini, aka ‘Lawla Dorof’, known for his humorous videos in Morocco. Playing alongside Moroccan and international stars was a unique experience for him. “Ilyas El Malki has a big heart. Just the fact of calling me and giving me the opportunity to play with these players means a lot to me.“, he said.
Faced with rumors according to which he would take advantage of this competition to avoid returning to Morocco, El Aouini responded firmly: “I represent Morocco, not my person. I have responsibilities that do not allow me to escape. If I had wanted to leave Morocco, I would have had many opportunities to do so, but I never did.”
Par Anas Zabari et Khadija Sabbar
01/13/2025 at 7:28 p.m.
