The Moroccan diaspora in London’s North Kensington neighbourhood, affectionately known as “Little Morocco”, is brimming with excitement and anticipation as the Atlas Lions prepare to face Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday.
Souad Talsi, who runs the Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s Centre at the base of the iconic Trellick Tower, captures the mood perfectly: “There’s not just an excitement, it has completely taken over everything else. There is so much gloom and doom around at the moment and people are depressed about Gaza, but football has given us a respite from all that. It has completely united the Moroccan diaspora and given us a purpose and a sense of belonging.”
This sentiment is echoed by Mohamed Chelh, who works in a local bakery. Sipping mint tea at the Trellick Lounge cafe, he expresses his confidence in the national team, saying, “They should win. They’ve got the best team.” Chelh points to Morocco’s impressive run in the last World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals and defeated the likes of Spain and Portugal.
The Trellick Lounge has been a hub of activity, with the cafe showing all of Morocco’s matches in the tournament so far. On Friday, more than 48 hours before the final, the cafe was already airing a pre-match programme on the Maghreb TV satellite channel. On Sunday, there will also be a screen set up outside the cafe for the anticipated crowds.
Ali Mr, who runs the cafe, predicts that hundreds will turn up to watch the final, with even more gathering outside. “It was a beautiful atmosphere,” says Mohamed, a retired gardener, recalling the celebrations when Morocco scraped through on penalties against Nigeria in the semi-final. “They were really happy. And I’m very proud. I love Morocco, my mum and dad are there. And I love it when they play well and win.”
The excitement is not limited to the cafes and community centres. Lailah Khallouk, a senior outreach worker at the women’s centre, says, “I hate football but I love to watch the Moroccan team. There’s huge excitement and a lot of organising about where to watch the game – in cafes or social clubs or house parties.”
Even those with reservations about the tournament’s funding, such as Uber driver Mohamed Rhiam, who witnessed protests in Casablanca over the money spent on stadiums rather than public services, acknowledge the unifying power of football. “I share those concerns. I believe the money they spent on it they could have done more for the economy. But the football still makes me proud.”
As the Atlas Lions prepare to take on Senegal, the Moroccan diaspora in London’s Little Morocco is united in their belief that this could be the moment their team finally lifts the AFCON trophy for the first time since 1976. The excitement and pride are palpable, and the community is ready to celebrate what they hope will be a historic victory.
