Maghreb region rallies behind Algeria squad

2010-01-27

Celebrations erupted across the Maghreb as football fans celebrated neighbor Algeria's advancement to the CAN semi-finals

By Naoufel Cherkaoui in Rabat, Mohamed Foily in Nouakchott and Mona Yahia in Tunis

Cheers and jubilations were heard all across the Maghreb on Sunday (January 24th) when Algeria, the sole Maghreb team left standing in the African Cup of Nations, defeated the Cote d'Ivoire Elephants 3-2 to advance to the tournament semi-finals.

Sports fans in Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia waved Algerian flags as they gathered in homes and cafes to catch the latest African action on the pitch. Despite disappointment over their national teams' ousters, fans took pleasure in Algeria's victory and voiced their hopes that the next CAN champion would come from the Maghreb.

"Congratulations to the Algerian team and to our fellow brothers for their achievement," said Salim, watching the game in Rabat. "I raise my hat to the players who faced all obstacles. I truly wish they will make it to the end of the contest, play against the Egyptians and crush them, and silence all those who doubt that the Maghrebis are the leaders of soccer."

Moroccan followers were happier with the Greens' performance during the second half. Down 2-1 against Cote d'Ivoire, many Moroccans had given up all hope until Fennecs defender Madjid Bougherra knocked in the equalizer. Bougherra's second goal in extra time, which put Algeria on top, was met with considerable relief by Moroccan fans.

"Algeria played a historic game against one of Africa's toughest teams," said Moroccan fan Adel. "The players did a great job during the second half time, though they wasted many chances."

In Tunisia, fans overcame the Carthage Eagles' heartbreaking exit from CAN to root for their neighbors. Filling cafes at a late hour to watch the game, Tunisians roared with excitement when Algeria came away with a victory.

"They are the real heroes," Mohamed, a newspaper vendor, told Magharebia on Sunday.

"Why couldn't the Tunisians show such a level of performance since they had all the necessary resources made available to them?" lamented Hasiba, who watched the match from Tunis.

"I was really impressed by the performance of the Algerian national team," said civil servant Nizar Daou. "It reminded me of the glory of that team twenty years ago when it used to be among the toughest African national teams."

In a strange twist of fate, Mauritania turned out to be the only country in the Maghreb with home access to the Al Jazeera football broadcasts. Though Mauritanian football fans are split between Algeria, Mali and Cote d'Ivoire, many Mauritanians were thrilled with the Greens' domination over Cote d'Ivoire.

"I told you so," Nouakchott university student Mohamed Ali told his friends.

Another fan sported a scarf with Algeria colors. "We've formed an Algeria fan club and we're watching the matches together," he told Magharebia.

"They're doing the Arab Maghreb proud."

Source: Magharebia.com
Link: http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/articles/2010/01/27/feature-03.