Morocco's World Cup heroes were on Tuesday, December 20, treated to a great welcome as thousands of jubilant fans took to the streets of Rabat to celebrate their exemplary performance.
Among the elated fans was King Mohammed VI, who honoured the players with a special award known as Royal Wissam.
According to the world football governing body, FIFA, the record-breaking players were accompanied by their mothers during their visit to the king.
Across Rabat, exhilarated fans waved flags, set off fireworks, banged drums and chanted "ole, ole, ole, ole, Maghreb, Maghreb" - the Arabic name for Morocco - as manager Walid Regragui and his players travelled to the king's palace.
The Atlas Lions became the first North African and first Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup and attracted fans across the globe in support of their unexpected run.
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“A special moment for Morocco's players who, accompanied by their mothers, were honored with Royal Wissams!” FIFA stated.
The Atlas Lions tactician Walid Regragui and the president of the country's football federation were also feted.
They were both honored with a second-class Order of the Throne Wissams (Commander) for their extraordinary achievements.
On the other hand, the players were given the third-class Order of the Throne Wissams (Officer).
Moreover, the technical staff and players awarded his majesty, King Mohammed VI, with souvenirs and gifts for being one of their biggest supporters at the tournament.
In Qatar, Morocco set a new African record by becoming the first nation from the continent to qualify for the semifinals.
Morocco stunned favorites Portugal, Spain, and Belgium at the just-concluded showpiece before they were bundled out by France.
Other countries like Senegal and Ghana registered phenomenal results in the global event in the past editions, but have only managed to reach the quarterfinals.
The Throne Wissams is one of the decorations of the Moroccan Kingdom awarded to individuals for esteemed services of a military or civil nature.
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