Entertainment
France vs. Morocco, A Spiritual AFCON Final—Jay Jay Okocha
Morocco came into the world cup very much the underdogs, dazzling the world with their displays at the world cup to become the 4th African nation to go into the quarter-final stage, and now they not only transcended the narrative but are set to face France in a semi-final of the grand tournament, and for Austin Jay Jay Okocha, the narratives not only stops there.
The former Nigerian international, Jay Jay Okocha referred to the Morocco vs. France World Cup 2022 semifinal as something of a spiritual Africa Cup of Nations final which coincidentally has a host of French players of African descent potentially lining up against Morocco to represent Europe.
On Saturday, Morocco defeated Portugal to advance to the tournament’s semifinals, while France defeated England to do the same.
More than half of France’s World Cup 2022 roster had the option to play for an African country on the international stage.
Jules Koundé, Matteo Guendouzi, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Axel Disasi may have all played for the Benin Republic, Morocco, the Congo, or Axel Disasi for the Congo.
Others include Youssouf Fofana of Mali, Ousmane Dembélé of Mali, Randal Kolo Muani of Congo, Steve Mandanda of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and William Saliba (Cameroon).
Dayot Upamecano (Guinea-Bissau), Ibrahima Konaté (Mali), Eduardo Camavinga (Angola) and Mbappe (Nigeria/Cameroon/Algeria) are the other players of African descent in the France squad.
Following the announcement that tackles will be exchanged in the semifinals between France and Morocco, Okocha spoke with SuperSport saying:
“It’s more like an AFCON final.”
All the way from Casablanca, can Morocco add to the narratives and do one better against France? That remains to be seen.
