And in the end, Morocco won. And his supporters exulted in Bezons (Val-d’Oise). As if relieved at the end of this close match, which put a strain on their nerves.
Faces often froze in the face of missed opportunities. This Wednesday evening, the 200 seats at Bootmaker, a large bar in the city, were filled with fans dressed in red to support the Atlas Lions, who faced the Nigerians in the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations.
Moroccan fans followed the meeting in an atmosphere at first confident, then tense, closely scrutinizing the actions of star players, such as PSG’s Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi.
“In Bezons, we feel excitement around the CAN”
The city of Val-d’Oise has a large Franco-Moroccan community, which has been used to meeting here since the start of the CAN. A young person tries to sit in front of the screen 20 minutes before the start of the match. ” No ? It’s complete,” Ram, the Bootmaker staff manager, stops him. Disappointed, some had to turn back. Others watch television from the entrance to the bar without sitting down.
When Achraf Hakimi enters the field, a young girl, Moroccan flag on her shoulders, stands up singing the national anthem. Immediately, the whole room follows. Kenza Haddad, Morocco supporter, put her whole family in red. His children wear the Achraf Hakimi jersey.
“In Bezons, we feel excitement around the CAN,” she smiles. We have been waiting for more than twenty years for Morocco to win. But today, the opposing team is strong. This bar broadcasts all the African Cup matches. For Franco-Moroccans, it is a gathering place. »
“The CAN is exceptional this year”
Every time a Moroccan player grabs the ball, Alladdine, 30, comes alive in his seat. He also dips his head in his hands every time he narrowly misses a goal. “The CAN is exceptional this year,” believes this resident of Bezons of Tunisian origin. There were only big matches even if this one started slowly. Nigeria has good players like Victor Osimhen. »
Hamza, 30, enjoys a pizza without taking his eyes off the screen. “This is the first time that four players with the golden ball face each other: Hakimi, Sadio Mané (Senegal), Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Victor Osimhen,” he enthuses.
At half-time, Anas believes he sees “intensity on the Moroccan side”. “Unlike its previous match against Algeria, Nigeria is more defensive,” he observes.
The bar was full every match
Here, only one wears a delighted face throughout the match. Romain, the owner of the establishment, displays a big smile. “This evening, we have a big peak of activity with Morocco. We broadcast the entire CAN. All matches were successful. This evening, our 200 places are full. »And joked: “Obviously, it suits us if Morocco wins. »
The room echoes with “come on” [ser] in Arabic as soon as a player advances towards the goal. But little by little, the smiles give way to tense expressions. “We feel that both teams are afraid because the stakes are high,” comments Haman, a supporter.
Overtime makes supporters tremble
Alain, a rare supporter of Nigeria, grimaces while eating his dish. “Nigeria is suffering,” breathes this resident of Guerville (Yvelines) originally from Congo. I have been following the Nigeria team since my childhood. The match is complicated. Victor Osimhen is not up to the task. »
At 10:30 p.m., Morocco supporters got angry, banging their fists on the table in the face of their team’s difficulties. When the whistle blows for extra time, looks darken. “The Moroccans dominate but we are afraid that they gave too much physically,” admits Haman.
In the final minutes, however, the bar comes alive again just before the penalty shootout. The supporters sing to push their team one last time. They shout together “Come on Bounou!” » to encourage the Moroccan goalkeeper.
They danced on the tables
Everyone chants the name of each player. Jubilation erupts after each successful shot on goal. Hakimi’s unleashes cries of joy.
On the 4th shot on goal, the supporters exult. The customers rise from the table, shouting merrily, after the final whistle and a 4-2 victory. Some even climb onto the tables to dance on them. “It was a big match,” exclaims Alladine. Until the end, we held on. It was hard but it was exceptional! »
