Morocco’s star players celebrated the team’s latest spectacular World Cup win with some of their biggest fans.
After knocking out Portugal in the quarter-final, the mothers and sons of players took to the pitch for the after-game party, joining in the cheers and taking in the love of the fans who have so far lit up several of the Qatar stadiums.
Morocco have exceeded expectations with their march to the World Cup semi-finals — and they’re enjoying the rewards.
Before Portugal, they knocked out Spain in the last 16 and sent Belgium them home in the group stages. The only match they have not won at this year's World Cup was against Croatia, and that was a draw.
After the Portugal match on Saturday, Sofiane Boufal celebrated with his mother. Head coach Walid Regragui also found his mother Fatima in the crowd.
Achraf Hakimi was seen dancing with defender Romain Saiss and his son.
Yassine Bounou, named man of the match on Saturday, played with his son, who tried on his father's huge goalkeeper gloves.
The team's families have been allowed to stay nearby the squad, meaning the players feel the bond which in many cases led to them choosing to play for Morocco.
Several players, including Hakimi, were born elsewhere but opted to represent the North African nation.
A picture of Hakimi, 24, kissing his mother in the stands, after their 2-0 group stage win over Belgium, was widely shared on social media.
“For me, my mum is the most important thing in my life,” said an elated Boufal, who was born in France, after the win over Spain.
“Of course [she was crying], the emotions in this game make you crazy. The support of your family is the most important thing.”
They were there again on Saturday to see the defeat of Portugal that set up a semi-final against France. Were they to beat the French, Morocco would face Argentina or Croatia in the World Cup final.
