In a tournament blighted by grim events off the field, Morocco have provided some rare joy. Not only have they become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, they have been quick to share their success with their biggest supporters.
Following his decisive spot kick in the penalty shootout win against Spain in the last 16, Achraf Hakimi drew the attention of the cameras when he went over to celebrate with his mum in the crowd and was photographed receiving a proud kiss on the cheek. He did much the same after Morocco’s quarter-final victory against Portugal, clambering into the stands to embrace her. After the Spain game, he posted a picture of them together captioned: “I love you mum”.
