In the heart of London's North Kensington, an area affectionately known as Little Morocco, confidence and community spirit are soaring. The local Moroccan diaspora is buzzing with anticipation, firmly believing their national team, the Atlas Lions, will defeat Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final this Sunday.
A Community United by Football
Souad Talsi, who runs the Al-Hasaniya Moroccan women's centre at the base of the iconic 31-storey Trellick Tower, described the overwhelming mood. "There's not just an excitement, it has completely taken over everything else," she said. Talsi highlighted how the tournament has provided a vital respite from global anxieties, uniting people behind a common cause. "Football has given us a respite... It has completely united the Moroccan diaspora and given us a purpose and a sense of belonging."
The sense of unity transcends age, gender, and social class. Lailah Khallouk, a senior outreach worker at the centre, noted, "Despite where we were born, our ages, our social classes, it is just a great event. Finally we have something to be proud of." She added that the excitement has broken gender barriers, with as many enthusiastic girls as boys cheering during the semi-final.
Historic Victory Within Reach
For many, Sunday's match represents a chance to make history. If Morocco wins, it will be their first Africa Cup of Nations trophy since 1976. Mohamed Chelh, sipping mint tea in the Trellick Lounge cafe, pointed to the team's recent World Cup success as a reason for confidence. "They should win. They've got the best team," he said, referencing their semi-final run in Qatar where they beat football giants Spain and Portugal. Chelh plans to celebrate the anticipated victory in Trafalgar Square.
The Trellick Lounge cafe, run by Ali Mssr, has become a focal point. It has shown all of Morocco's tournament games on a big screen and will broadcast the final both inside and on a screen outside on Golborne Road. Mssr predicts hundreds will gather to watch. The atmosphere during the tense penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the semi-final was electric, with celebrations heard from neighbouring flats.
Preparations and Pride Across Golborne Road
The preparations are in full swing. Souad Talsi plans to watch the match with her extended family after a traditional meal of couscous. Further down Golborne Road at Hakim's cafe, courier Yassim expressed unwavering confidence: "The mood is very good. I have confidence we will win. We beat Nigeria and they are the toughest team in the tournament."
While the football fever is undeniable, some, like Uber driver Mohamed Rhiam who recently visited Casablanca, acknowledge the complex backdrop. He witnessed pre-tournament protests about stadium spending versus public services. "I share those concerns... But the football still makes me proud," he stated. He firmly rejected the idea that the last World Cup was a disappointment, emphasising the pride in reaching the semi-finals.
As Sunday approaches, the streets of Little Morocco are ready. Whether in cafes, social clubs, or family homes, the community stands together, hoping to witness their team lift a trophy that has eluded them for nearly five decades.
