HIBAPRESS – Mohammed Manflouti
The Emirati sports commentator "Fares Awad" reacted to the outstanding and impressive organization that Morocco demonstrated during the African Cup of Nations, with a strong post on his social media accounts, directing his criticisms towards unnamed parties who love to live in the swamps and do not want to be rescued from them, comparing them to a frog that loves its natural place.
The Emirati commentator said in a post: "Morocco tried to rescue the frog from the swamp, but the frog's natural place is the swamp, this is how some people dealt with Morocco's organization of the African Cup: a project that elevates the continent, was met with mentalities that only thrive in the mire." Morocco, while organizing these continental competitions, has received full marks, thanks to the arms of its men, their experiences and their competencies, starting with the high-end infrastructure, classified hotels, and distinguished means of transport, not to mention the tight security plan and the security deployment that security elements of various colors demonstrated, which worked to secure the entrances and exits of airports, stations, stadiums and roads. A brilliant and distinguished success, with which several friendly and sister countries interacted, but at the same time, it confused the accounts of some opponents, who saw in the organized organization a source of embarrassment for them in front of their people… From the friendly sister countries, we find the State of Senegal, which said, through its foreign minister, that the expected final of the African Cup of Nations on Sunday, January 18, 2026, between the Moroccan and Senegalese teams, constitutes an occasion to celebrate the spirit of brotherhood and the deep relations that bring the two peoples together, away from any circumstantial considerations, and in an atmosphere that is supposed to be characterized by sportsmanship and mutual respect. The Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad clarified, in a statement issued on January 17, 2026, that the relations between Senegal and Morocco are ancient relations based on friendship and solidarity, and were established on mutual respect and a common vision of African and international issues, before being strengthened through decades of continuous cooperation. The statement highlighted that the Kingdom of Morocco has shown, since the start of the African Cup of Nations, cooperation described as ideal, in the embodiment of the depth of the historical friendship that brings the two countries together, expressing the satisfaction of the Senegalese authorities with the continuation of this fraternal approach, and directing thanks to the Moroccan government for the support and facilities it has provided. The Senegalese Foreign Ministry considered that sports, especially football, constitute a powerful tool for rapprochement between peoples and for strengthening cohesion between them, stressing that this final should be lived as a celebration of African talents and the unity of the continent, and an embodiment of the strong brotherhood between the Senegalese and Moroccan peoples. The ministry called on various actors, the public, and public opinion to be responsible, respectful, and committed to the values of fair play, in order to preserve the strength of Senegalese-Moroccan relations, and to protect the image of African football on the international arena.
