The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, has extended his congratulations to President Alassane Ouattara and the entire Ivorian people following the Elephants’ triumph in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (CAN), winning their 3rd continental title.
After expressions of gratitude from Ivorian players such as Max-Alain Gradel and Yahia Fofana, who thanked the Moroccan team for their valuable contribution to the Elephants’ victory in CAN 2023, it is now the turn of the Cherifian Kingdom to reciprocate to this friendly nation. The monarch himself took the initiative. In his message, the king congratulated the Ivorian President and the First Lady, Alassane and Dominique Ouattara, on the success of Emerse Faé’s protégés.
“Mr. President and dear brother, Mrs. First Lady, it gives me great pleasure to extend to you and through you, to the Ivorian people, my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the Ivory Coast national team’s triumph in the final of the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations football tournament that your country has successfully hosted,” the sovereign expressed warmly. “The Ivorian selection rightfully makes your nation proud. Through perseverance and combativeness, it has managed to climb to the pinnacle of African football again, offering precious moments of unity to football enthusiasts in Ivory Coast and across the continent,” he added.
A Miraculous Qualification
Backs against the wall in the group stage, with a team virtually eliminated after its defeat to Nigeria (0-1) and a thrashing by Equatorial Guinea (0-4), Ivory Coast narrowly avoided a major upset thanks to Morocco. With their victory over Zambia (1-0) despite already having secured a spot in the round of 16, the Atlas Lions allowed the Elephants to finish among the best four third-placed teams, earning them a place in the next round of the competition.
A savior that the Ivorian people celebrated after the final whistle of the match against Nigeria (2-1) in the final, Sunday night; with Moroccan flags displayed in the stands and the streets of Abidjan.
