In March 2021, while congratulating the African nations like Cameroon, Ghana,Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia that qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe stated that an African team must win the World Cup in the near future.
This was similar to what former Brazilian Minister of Sports Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, predicted in 1977: that an African country would win the World Cup before 2000, which was later extended to 2010.
I believe their prophetic words stink to those from the white continent who have tried to disprove Pele and Motsepe’s words by winning the previous FIFA World Cup editions.
However, on December 10, 2022, Morocco, the darling nation of the entire continent of Africa, wowed the world by crossing the boundary to become the first ever African nation to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup.
Cameroon’s run to the 1990 quarterfinal remains Africa’s high watermark, emulated by Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010 but never surpassed.
But rocky Morocco broke the glass ceiling to cause pandemonium at AL Thumama Stadium after it nailed Portugal’s magical goal, leaving the latter in an ocean of tears as it secured nothing.
Africa’s super dive into this year’s world cup tournament has white soliloquies wondering if Minister Pele and Motsepe’s prophetic words will come true in the FIFA world cup in Qatar in 2022.
While appearing on one of the international sports television networks, Morocco’s team manager, Mr. Walid Regragui, revealed the secret behind the superb performance of his team, stating that if you show passion, heart, and belief, you can succeed.
He added that his players have always demonstrated passion, belief, and a victorious heart, hence their success so far. And, while it is not a miracle—though some in Europe believe it is. Morocco has defeated Portugal, Spain, and Belgium while drawing with Croatia. That is the result of hard work.
“We are here to change the mentality and get rid of the inferiority. Morocco is set to face anyone in the world even beyond the semi-finals, and the generation coming after us will know Moroccan players can smack,” Magnetic Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou said.
During and after the match, social media platforms, mostly Twitter, became an ocean of congratulatory messages to Morocco and Africa at large for the significant win over fancied Portugal, armed with the famous Cristiano Ronaldo.
“This time for Africa,” Shakira, a Colombian singer and songwriter tweeted. Congrats Morocco,” the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, tweeted.
“Wow. Morocco wins. “Heartbreak for Portugal, but a moment for Africa and the Arab world, and so well deserved—they were fantastic tonight,” world figure Piers Morgan tweeted.
Morocco will play France on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 10:00 p.m. Sports experts have revealed that if Morocco wins, the Atlas Lions will be the first African nation to win the World Cup.