Ivorian Fans Call for Abidjan Street to Honor Morocco’s Ziyech After AFCON Heroics

A street named after Hakim Ziyech in Abidjan? This is what Ivorian supporters are asking for after the victory of the Atlas Lions over Zambia. "Thursday, January 25, 2024, and until now, there is not yet a street named Hakim Ziyech, is it a lack of professionalism on the part of our government?" questions an Ivorian supporter.

By scoring the only goal of the match, the Moroccan international saved Côte d’Ivoire, who feared their elimination in the group stage. The host country thus reached the round of 16 at the last minute. The Ivorians celebrated this Moroccan victory in Abidjan and other cities in the country. Thousands of young people rushed to the streets of the Marcory district, where many Moroccans live, to commune with the evening’s saviors, reports François Hume-Ferkatadji, RFI correspondent.

"All Ivorians are really happy! Morocco is a god for us. Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire are really like brothers and friends," said an Ivorian supporter. "This is the best CAN in the world, Côte d’Ivoire was touched (beaten 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea), it was not in shape at the beginning of this competition, we were humiliated! But now, Morocco has just pulled us out of this humiliation. We hope the Elephants will give it their all for the second part of this competition. Long live CAN, long live Côte d’Ivoire," rejoiced another.

Senegal will face Côte d’Ivoire next Monday. The Atlas Lions will play their round of 16 match against South Africa next Tuesday at 9 p.m. (Moroccan time) at the Laurent Pokou stadium in San Pedro.