Residents of London's "Little Morocco" in North Kensington expressed high confidence that the Moroccan national football team, the Atlas Lions, would defeat Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final on Sunday. The Moroccan diaspora in the area, centered around Golborne Road and the Trellick Tower, anticipated a victory that would bring unity and joy to the community.
Souad Talsi, who manages the Al-Hasaniya Moroccan women's center located at the base of the Trellick Tower, noted the widespread excitement. "There's not just an excitement, it has completely taken over everything else," Talsi said. She emphasized the unifying power of the tournament, particularly in light of current global events. "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."
The Africa Cup of Nations, officially CAN, is the main international association football competition in Africa. It is sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and was first held in 1957. The tournament is held every two years, alternating with the FIFA World Cup. Morocco has won the tournament once, in 1976.
The anticipation surrounding the Afcon final highlighted the strong sense of community within London's Moroccan diaspora. The community's focus now rests on the outcome of Sunday's match, with many hoping for a victory that would further strengthen their collective identity and bring a moment of celebration.
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