The Union Sportive de la Medina d’Alger (USMA) football team arrived in Morocco, on Friday, April 26, 2024, to compete in the decisive second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final against Renaissance Sportive de Berkane. The Moroccan hosts extended a heartfelt welcome to the Algerian delegation at Oujda Angad Airport, presenting them with a bouquet, dates, and milk—a symbolic gesture of Moroccan hospitality.
Despite recent tensions between the two neighboring countries, Morocco prioritized good neighborly relations and hospitality during the USMA’s stay. The team was accommodated at the prestigious 5-star “Be Live Collection” hotel in Saïdia.
The backdrop to this encounter is the unfortunate incident during the first leg match in Algeria, where the Berkanis faced adversity upon their arrival at Algiers Airport. Their equipment and CAF-approved jerseys were confiscated due to the inclusion of the complete map of the Moroccan Kingdom, including its Sahara. Intimidation and aggression further marred the experience for the visiting team.
In a statement to a Moroccan Sport Tv, Kamel Hassina, the head of the USMA delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm reception they received in Morocco.
Despite the hostile actions and aggressive intentions from their eastern neighbors, the Moroccan authorities chose not to reciprocate in kind.
Note: The USMA lost the first leg match on a technicality (3-0), but the warm reception in Morocco serves as a testament to the enduring bonds between sports and goodwill.
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