World Cup Semifinal Divides Loyalties of Franco-Moroccan Fans

Who to support on Wednesday, December 14 (8pm) for the clash between the two nations in the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar 2022? "We would never have believed it. Our two countries, our two countries of the heart, we can’t choose, in fact, we are for France and Morocco," said Mina Nssaiss, a fruit and vegetable merchant in Vincennes who displays her love for France and Morocco through the storefront of her shop. "Supporter of Morocco and France, there you go. Look, down to my fingertips. Morocco, France," she smiles.

However, the Franco-Moroccan has a preference for the Atlas Lions. "With still a little bit, we would like Morocco to win this World Cup, it would be good for Moroccan youth, for everyone in fact, for Africa, for all the Arab countries too, it would represent a lot," hopes Mina, who has made it known that prayers have been organized for the Moroccan team. "We are praying for Morocco. I won’t lie to you because it would be nice to have a little star on the jersey at least once in our lives. To live this event is magnificent. It’s an exploit for us," adds the one who knows personally the Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi, who will face for the first time his teammate and friend, the French international Kylian Mbappé.

The Moroccan right-back has dedicated a PSG jersey and another one from Morocco to Mina. "This jersey, it’s a Hakimi jersey. From PSG. We also have the one from Morocco. It’s autographed since we know each other, he’s a customer at the Verger de Vincennes, we deliver to him, so it’s the beautiful Franco-Moroccan image. Look, he plays for PSG, he’s of Moroccan origin, what better?" she explains.