In the wake of Morocco’s victorious CHAN 2024 campaign, the Atlas Lions’ head coach, Tarek Sektioui, has extended a heartfelt and special message of gratitude to the Kenyan people, whose fervent support became an unexpected cornerstone of his team’s journey to the title.
The sentiment, echoing the overwhelming backing witnessed at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium during the final, highlights a unique and powerful story of sporting kinship that transcended group-stage rivalries.
“Since we arrived here, we’ve felt the love of Kenyans everywhere; from the hotel to the stadiums,” an elated Coach Sektioui stated after his team lifted the trophy. “Kenyans are truly kind and loyal. Today, they were happy to see us on the pitch and supported us until we won. We can’t thank them enough for their support.”
This profound bond between the North African champions and the East African hosts was forged in the crucible of a burgeoning regional rivalry. Despite Kenya’s shocking 1-0 victory over Morocco in the group stages, the admiration from Kenyan fans only grew stronger as the tournament progressed.
The solidarity crystallized dramatically when Morocco was drawn to face Kenya’s neighbors and rivals, Tanzania, in the quarter-finals. A recent online “war of words” between citizens of the two co-hosting nations escalated into a tangible display of support, with Kenyan fans allegedly buying a significant portion of the match tickets in Dar es Salaam to support Morocco and deny Tanzanians a home advantage.
This set the stage for a final where Kenyan allegiance was never in doubt. From the moment the Moroccan team emerged from the tunnel for warm-ups, they were met with thunderous applause and cheers. Every announcement of a Moroccan player’s name was celebrated, and every skillful move on the pitch was met with roaring approval, creating a deafeningly partisan atmosphere that made Nairobi feel like a home away from home for the Atlas Lions.
In stark contrast, final opponents Madagascar, who had eliminated a Harambee Stars side that many Kenyans felt was unjustly robbed, were met with a chorus of boos. The tension was palpable even before kick-off, as a section of the crowd booed Tanzanian artist Zuchu during her performance, a defiant act aimed at supporting all things Moroccan.
The overwhelming Kenyan support for Morocco served as a fitting finale to a tournament that has earned high praise from football’s governing bodies. Both FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe have repeatedly expressed their satisfaction with the historic co-hosting by East African nations Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, hailing it as a successful model for unity and football development on the continent.
For Coach Sektioui and his champions, however, the lasting memory will be the unexpected and unwavering voice of a nation cheering them to victory.
“The love we received was incredible,” Sektioui reiterated. “This victory is not just for Morocco, but also for all the Kenyan fans who stood with us. We felt their energy, and we share this trophy with them.”
