The Moroccan enthusiast, Abdullah El-Sadiq, embarked on a unique journey, driving from Morocco to Ivory Coast, demonstrating an unparalleled passion for his national team and a deep-rooted pride in Amazigh culture and identity.
Setting out from the city of Agadir in southern Morocco, Abdullah traversed five African countries: Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, before reaching his final destination in San Pedro, Ivory Coast.
This journey aligned with Morocco’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023, where they competed in the group stage.
Abdullah’s expedition to San Pedro, hosting the matches of “The Lions” in the AFCON 2023 group stage, held a dual purpose – supporting the Moroccan team and introducing Amazigh culture in the countries he visited.
A devoted football fan, Abdullah has previously attended global and continental sports events, including the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon 2017 and Egypt 2019.
Driving a specially prepared red car adorned with images of Moroccan national team stars, Abdullah embarked on his 5-month adventure through the African jungles, arriving at his final destination in Ivory Coast.
The decision to travel overland from Morocco to Ivory Coast to support the Moroccan national team in the AFCON 2023 finals while promoting Amazigh culture was a dream Abdullah harbored for years.
Overcoming challenges, he turned this dream into a reality.
In an interview with “Sky News Arabia,” Abdullah revealed that the idea of traveling by car to attend a global sporting event dates back to 2018 when he aimed to attend the Russia World Cup.
However, difficulties in obtaining a Schengen visa thwarted his efforts, delaying his dream.
He also attempted to travel by land for the AFCON in Cameroon in 2021, but success eluded him until the ongoing AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast.
Promoting Amazigh Culture
Abdullah seizes the opportunity of major sporting events to promote Amazigh culture, a vital component of Moroccan identity.
He endeavors to make his initiative impactful and effective, distributing books on Amazigh history and culture to national libraries in the countries he visits.
Abdullah considers introducing Amazigh culture in the countries he stops in as a duty and believes in the necessity of expanding this experience to include other nations in the future.
He aims to launch new and innovative initiatives in this direction.
During his journey across African nations, Abdullah initiated the “Africa Foot” project, encouraging children to balance education and football, emphasizing the importance of combining both.
He visited several schools in remote areas, distributing footballs to enthusiastic children.
Acknowledging the significant acclaim his initiative received across six African countries, Abdullah utilized music as a means to explore the rich heritage and diversity of Amazigh culture, making it more accessible.
The Moroccan traveler highlights that the road to Ivory Coast was not without challenges.
He encountered difficulties in navigating uneven paths and roads in some African countries, emphasizing the need for caution amid the roar of giant trucks dominating long roads, heavily loaded with goods.
Despite the hardships and tribulations, Abdullah is contemplating his decision to return by land to Morocco after the conclusion of the continental football celebration on February 11.
