London's Moroccan community is abuzz with excitement as the Atlas Lions prepare to take on Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final. For many, football has become a symbol of unity and national pride, providing a much-needed respite from the gloom and doom that dominates headlines about conflict and inequality.
In North Kensington, where the large Moroccan diaspora community resides, the air is electric with anticipation. "Football reminds us that people are not always bad and people can come together," says Souad Talsi, who runs a local women's centre. For her, football has become a source of joy and belonging, breaking down barriers between different generations and backgrounds.
Tensions have been high in the run-up to the final, with many criticizing the huge sums spent on stadiums compared to public services. But for Mohamed Chelh, Morocco's success in reaching the World Cup semi-finals is all that matters. "They should win," he says confidently, predicting a victory that will be met with jubilation.
In cafes and social clubs across Golborne Road, preparations are underway for the big game. Screens are set up to show every match, and plans are being made for post-match celebrations. Ali Mssr, owner of one such cafe, predicts hundreds will gather outside to watch the final. "It's not just about the football," he says; it's a community coming together.
For Lailah Khallouk, a senior outreach worker at the women's centre, football has become a source of pride and unity among Moroccans in London. Despite her initial reluctance to get involved, she now finds herself swept up in the excitement of the tournament. "It brings us all together," she says, proudly watching her 11-year-old son Adam follow his dreams.
For Mohamed Rhiam, an Uber driver who recently visited relatives in Casablanca, football remains a source of national pride despite growing concerns about public spending priorities. "I believe the money they spent on it could have been better spent on the economy," he says, but acknowledges that his love for the team will always come first.
On Sunday, as the Atlas Lions take to the pitch against Senegal, the people of London's Moroccan community will be watching with bated breath, their hopes and dreams pinned to the outcome of this Africa Cup of Nations final.
In North Kensington, where the large Moroccan diaspora community resides, the air is electric with anticipation. "Football reminds us that people are not always bad and people can come together," says Souad Talsi, who runs a local women's centre. For her, football has become a source of joy and belonging, breaking down barriers between different generations and backgrounds.
Tensions have been high in the run-up to the final, with many criticizing the huge sums spent on stadiums compared to public services. But for Mohamed Chelh, Morocco's success in reaching the World Cup semi-finals is all that matters. "They should win," he says confidently, predicting a victory that will be met with jubilation.
In cafes and social clubs across Golborne Road, preparations are underway for the big game. Screens are set up to show every match, and plans are being made for post-match celebrations. Ali Mssr, owner of one such cafe, predicts hundreds will gather outside to watch the final. "It's not just about the football," he says; it's a community coming together.
For Lailah Khallouk, a senior outreach worker at the women's centre, football has become a source of pride and unity among Moroccans in London. Despite her initial reluctance to get involved, she now finds herself swept up in the excitement of the tournament. "It brings us all together," she says, proudly watching her 11-year-old son Adam follow his dreams.
For Mohamed Rhiam, an Uber driver who recently visited relatives in Casablanca, football remains a source of national pride despite growing concerns about public spending priorities. "I believe the money they spent on it could have been better spent on the economy," he says, but acknowledges that his love for the team will always come first.
On Sunday, as the Atlas Lions take to the pitch against Senegal, the people of London's Moroccan community will be watching with bated breath, their hopes and dreams pinned to the outcome of this Africa Cup of Nations final.
️ "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." 
I'm not sure how much more proof we need that football can bring communities together like nothing else. The numbers on public services vs stadium spending are just a drop in the bucket compared to the sense of unity and pride that comes with supporting your country's team. 
But let's be real, it's all about sentiment, right? I mean, how much actual change can one final match bring about? 
And what about the fact that many Moroccans living in London are only there because they're fleeing conflict and inequality back home? Is this really a victory for the community or just another distraction from their struggles? 
#AtlasLions are about to take on Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final and it's going to be a wild ride! 
it's amazing to see how something as simple as a game can bring so much joy and unity to people's lives 
. sure, some ppl might be salty about the money spent on stadiums, but lets be real, who doesnt love a good game of footy? 
besides, football is all about hope and passion, which is exactly what morocco needs right now 
. its not gonna solve all their problems, but it can bring some much-needed joy and excitement to an otherwise gloomy world 
. let the atlas lions fly, london! 
I'm loving how football is bringing that amazing Moroccan community in North Kensington together, you feel? Like, it's not just about the game, but about unity and pride 
It's great to see people from all walks of life coming together to cheer on their team. And Souad Talsi's comment about football reminding us that people aren't always bad is so true 
I mean, who doesn't love a good underdog story? 
Let's hope the Atlas Lions bring home that title and give everyone in London something to celebrate 
Can't believe how much unity football brings to ppl! 
Especially in diverse communities like London's Moroccan one 
Their passion & excitement are infectious 
Just imagine all those people coming together 2 celebrate their team's victory 
I'm still getting used to how much football has changed since my kid was playing in the park, you know? It's like they're all stars now 
! But seriously, it's amazing to see how something as simple as a game can bring people together. Like, back in my day, we'd play street games till the streetlights came on, and that's where our friendships were made 
. Nowadays, it seems like everything is just about the money and the glory, but for these Moroccans in London, football is still a source of pride and unity. You know what? I'm kind of jealous 
! I mean who doesn't love a good underdog story? The Atlas Lions are gonna crush it 
and bring pride to the entire Moroccan community in London. I'm loving how football is bringing everyone together, even though there's been some controversy about the tournament costs... but let's be real, it's all about the football 
. Can't wait to watch the game with my friends and have a massive party afterwards 
!
It just seems like priorities to me...
at least the people of london are excited though, i guess that's what matters most.
It's amazing how football can bring ppl together, you know? Like, I've seen it happen in my own community, where friends from different backgrounds just vibe out over a game. And for the Moroccans in London, this final is all about pride and unity - it's like they're representing not just themselves, but their whole community! 