Ismael Skira was relieved, a little tired, but very happy when he parked his bicycle in the coastal city of Agadir in southern Morocco at the end of a journey of more than 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) from France, which took him four weeks to complete.
The Moroccan-born football fan, who has lived in Paris since the age of 21, was determined to support the Atlas Lions in person at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
But, it would have been much easier for the 59-year-old to travel by car or plane.
“When I was at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast (2024), the fans were singing in support of the national team,” Skira told DW.
“It said some came by plane, some by car, some by bicycle, and some on foot. I chose the word ‘bicycle’ – and that’s how I came here.”
Dress rehearsal for the 2030 World Cup
Skira is one of millions of fans who will travel to Morocco in the coming weeks for AFCON, the continent’s biggest tournament. Organizers announced before the start of the tournament that over one million tickets had been sold – more than at any previous AFCON.
The tournament is setting new standards in other ways too, as for the first time each participating team has been accommodated in a five-star hotel. Matches are to be played in nine stadiums in six cities and the tournament is being broadcast by more than 30 European media outlets.
The four-week competition is considered a dress rehearsal for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which is to be held on three continents, with Morocco, Spain and Portugal as the main hosts. This has increased the pressure not only on the Moroccan FA (FRMF) but also on the players.
“That’s our responsibility,” said Achraf Hakimi of Champions League title winners Paris Saint-Germain.
“It is a positive responsibility that motivates us to prepare for this tournament.”
Breakdown in Seville
As special as this tournament is, Ismail Skira’s journey is equally special. He has been a big fan of the Morocco national team since childhood and regularly travels to matches in his native country – but until now, never by bicycle. His journey here was quite eventful.
“In Seville, a part of my bike broke and I couldn’t find any spare parts,” Skira said. “I had to stay in Seville for three days until I found a Spaniard who helped me repair my bike.”
Skira used the time while his bike was being repaired to visit the home stadium of Real Betis, where he had the opportunity to speak briefly with Moroccan player Az Abed, Spain international Isco and Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini.
But what stuck with Skira most were some other personal encounters.
“I met people I didn’t know before, and yet they helped me a lot. Some even invited me into their homes.”
a successful opener
Morocco’s match against Comoros at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium did not start the way Skira or the rest of the home supporters had expected.
The first half was notable mainly for a missed penalty by Soufiane Rahimi and an injury to defender Romain Saiss. It wasn’t until after the break that coach Walid Regragui’s side began to live up to their billing as favourites.
Brahim Diaz opened the scoring in the 55th minute by whipping a low ball through the box to Noussair Mazraoui. The 60,000 mostly home fans came alive when Ayoub El Kaabi’s bicycle kick doubled Morocco’s lead in the 74th minute.
“The atmosphere was amazing and very special,” Skira said.
“Compared to AFCON in Ivory Coast, African and especially Moroccan culture is really on full display here.”
While Morocco failed to score a third goal, the win was well-deserved – something that filled Skira with confidence going forward.
“I pray to God that the Moroccan national team has good luck, that they bring us happiness and win the Africa Cup,” Skira said.
“If life permits, I will arrange to meet you for the 2030 World Cup in Morocco – again by bicycle.”
This article was originally published in German.