Lens revels as Morocco beat Paraguay, fans hail African champions until proven otherwise | OneFootball

Moroccan fans turned Lens into a party as their national team beat Paraguay 2-1 in a friendly, many hailing them as African champions until proven otherwise, in their eyes the title had been awarded off the pitch two weeks earlier.

According to L'Équipe, fireworks lit the sky above Bollaert as red and green replaced Lens’s usual colours, with supporters even driving from Rotterdam laden with flags and wigs.

The mood mixed joy with grievance. Fans said they had stuck to the rules and felt unfairly set against the rest of Africa and beyond, admitting the saga had bruised pride and values.

Others spoke of unity and hospitality. A Paris-based supporter said criticism hurt after Morocco tried to welcome everyone in the best conditions, while some added the TAS would have its say.

Workers who dashed up from Rungis recalled horn concerts at tolls and cars draped in flags, saying a sleepless night was worth it. Bollaert was full and rocking.

With 10 minutes left the stands sang of being African champions. New coach Mohamed Ouahbi said he did not hear it, noticed only a fan running on to embrace Brahim Diaz, and lauded the extraordinary backing, adding the squad must be ambitious not to disappoint their people.

Asked about Senegal’s trophy parade at the Stade de France before the Peru friendly that finished 2-0, he said he had other priorities, trusted the federation to defend Morocco’s interests, left decisions to CAF, and was focused on the World Cup.

Source: L'Équipe