HIBAPRESS – MAP
As soon as the sun sets over the city of Dakhla, the Hassan II square in the pearl of southern Morocco, which has been prepared as a fan zone, turns into a lively space filled with an atmosphere of enthusiasm and collective viewing, which accompanies the matches of the African football festival, which Morocco is hosting until January 18.
Since the start of the continental competition, this area has become a major attraction for the city's residents and visitors alike, both Moroccans and foreigners, where it has provided a distinctive festive atmosphere that has enabled football fans to follow the various matches in high-quality organizational and recreational conditions, via a giant screen that allows viewing of all matches for free, amidst an atmosphere that does not lack enthusiasm and excitement.
The fan zone has formed an open space for various age groups, from children, women, the elderly, and youth, who are interested in the round ball and are passionate about football, which has become more than just a game, but rather a sharing, interaction, and an open communication bridge.
The pioneers of the fan zone do not only watch football matches, but also immerse themselves in a world of diverse entertainment and movement activities that give a festive character to the square, with the presence of musical groups that ignite the stage with popular songs and enthusiastic rhythms, which makes watching the "CAN" matches in Dakhla a complete collective experience, in which sports enjoyment is mixed with artistic viewing.
A complete entertainment space for children has also been allocated, which includes educational and electronic games, which has allowed families the opportunity to enjoy the football atmosphere in a safe and enjoyable family setting, which enhances the values of sharing and collective engagement in this continental event.
The atmosphere of interaction reaches its peak with the matches of the Moroccan national team, as shouts and applause rise and enthusiasm increases noticeably with every pass or offensive attempt by the stars of the national team, headed by Ibrahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi.
Whenever Ibrahim Diaz touches the ball, cheers of admiration rise from the fans, who see him as one of the main keys to the game thanks to his technical skills and decisive touches, and his "Maradona-esque" penetrations, while Ayoub El Kaabi enjoys a special interaction, especially after scoring anthological goals with wonderful scissors that ignited the enthusiasm of the fans, and made the moments of scoring turn into collective joy hysteria. In statements to the Moroccan News Agency, a number of fans expressed their great satisfaction with the atmosphere provided by the fan zone, considering that it contributed to bringing the atmosphere of the stadiums closer to the local audience, and gave the city an exceptional dynamic during the period of the African Cup of Nations.
They stressed that the giant screen, along with good organization and the diversity of entertainment shows, are all factors that have made Hassan II Square a daily appointment for joy and meeting. In the same context, others praised the efforts made to make this initiative a success, considering that the fan zone contributed to bringing joy to the hearts of Dakhla residents, and provided a recreational outlet that reflects the city's involvement, with all its components, in celebrating this African football festival.
The dynamics witnessed by the fan zone in Dakhla reflects the celebratory and social dimension of the African Cup of Nations, as it is a major sporting event that goes beyond the boundaries of the green rectangle, to become an occasion to strengthen social ties, consolidate the culture of shared joy, and celebrate Moroccans' passion for football.
