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Morocco players 'doubled their efforts' in front of families as Boufal and mum dance

talksport.com, 11 December 2022, 19:36
Sofiane Boufal danced on the pitch with his mum after Morocco's historic victory over Portugal at the 2022 World Cup.

The former Southampton midfielder isn't the only one that's made sure to celebrate their incredible run with their mother in Qatar, either.

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Morocco became the first African country to ever make the semi-finals of a World Cup on Saturday, with Youssef En-Nesyri's first-half goal enough to see off Portugal.

Goalkeeper Diogo Costa had ran off his line to punch the striker's effort away - only to get nowhere near it. Portugal boss Fernando Santos brought talismanic striker Cristiano Ronaldo on in the second-half, but it was all too little too late.

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But whilst Portugal were left heartbroken following the final whistle, the Moroccans burst into celebration - and footage shows Boufal made sure to share the moment with his mum.

Footage shows the winger grabbing her hand and leading her to the pitch to join in the jubilant celebrations.

He then proceeds to dance with her in front of Morocco's fans, moving along to the music inside the stadium together, holding hands and jumping around together.

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Boufal then hugged her tight, before putting his arm round her and walking her past the waving fans at the Al Thumama Stadium, who she waved back to.

Moroccan journalist Jalal Bounouar told talkSPORT that the families were strategically placed in the stands in the hope of enhancing the performance of the players.

"What the Moroccan Football Federation did with the families of the players is amazing," Bounouar said. "They invited the mothers of the players and put them just 100 metres from the players.

"The idea was brilliant and I really loved this atmosphere. You can see the players are doubling their efforts in order to satisfy their families and the Moroccan fans.

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"That was a very beautiful image with Sofiane Boufal and his mum and also Achraf Hakimi and his family. It's something that's done for families and the nation."

He's not the only Moroccan player to have shown love to his mother during their impressive World Cup campaign, either.

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After the Spain victory in the Round of 16, Boufal's teammate Achraf Hakimi had posted a picture of them together captioned: 'I love you mum'.

Meanwhile, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has also been spotted celebrating with his mum in the stands after games.

After the win against Spain, Usher Komugisha, an analyst for Al Jazeera, tweeted: "Walid Regragui's mother Fatima, who has lived in Paris for more than 50 years, has never travelled to watch him as a player or coach but he insisted she comes to the World Cup in Qatar.

"Result? He inspired Morocco to a historic quarter-final place."

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No wonder they say mum's know the answer to everything!

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