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Morocco player Sofaine Boufal stirred controversy after dedicating the North African country’s win over Spain in the last 16 to Arabs and the Muslim world.
The Atlas Lions fended off offensive from Spain and went on to win 3-0 on penalties.
Abdelhamid Sabiri, Hakim Ziyech, and Achraf Hakimi slotted home their spot kicks while Spain remarkably failed to score from their three penalty kicks taken as Morocco’s Sevilla goalkeeper Yaccine Bounou saved Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets kicks while Pablo Sarabia hit the bar.
Speaking a press interview after the match, Boufal gave acknowledgement to Arabs.
“Thanks to all Moroccans all around the world for their support…to all Arab people and to all Muslims”, he was quoted saying.
The statements did not sit well with several fans in Africa who felt disregarded despite being passionate about their own progressing to the quarterfinals.
Following the exit of Africa representatives; Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal and Tunisia, the continent rallied behind the sole competitor, Morocco.
Now, in response to the fans’ reaction on the continent, Boufal has apologised to Africans.
“Sorry for forgetting to mention all African continent in the post-match conference. Thank you for being behind us, I dedicate the victory to you of course. We are proud to represent all our brothers on the continent. Together”, he posted on Instagram.
Morocco, a diverse country, now faces Portugal in the quarterfinals.
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