Video of Moroccan Players Celebrating 2023 Victory Resurfaces in Relation to 2024 Olympics

Misbar investigated the circulating video and found the claim to be misleading.

A thorough reverse image search found the video making the rounds to be older than claimed.

Video of Moroccan Players Celebrating 2023 Victory

Contrary to the viral claim on social media, the video was not recorded during the ongoing 2024 Olympic matches in France. Instead, it was filmed during a 2023 match in the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations. The same video was uploaded to Instagram on July 9, 2023, by a Moroccan team fan page called "morocco_team_1."

Misbar’s investigative team analyzed the video and identified a banner in the background that read, "Good Luck, Make Africa Proud."

Controversial Throat-Cutting Celebration

Although the throat-slitting gesture is used in the Arab world to signify a challenge, it has been a controversial act in sports for many years.

In February 2024, football player Joao Pedro stirred controversy by performing a throat-cutting gesture after scoring Brighton's fourth goal in their 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace. He mimed slitting his throat after counting to four, possibly to signify that the game was over.

In March 2023, Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea faced a potential suspension for making a throat-slitting gesture towards Melbourne Rebels scrum-half Ryan Louwrens during a Super Rugby Pacific match. Savea later apologized during a post-match interview, admitting that his action was out of character.

Back in 1999, the NFL took a firm stance against the throat-slash gesture, threatening fines and penalties for what had become an increasingly popular taunt, deeming it an "unacceptable act of violence."

The Moroccan Team Wins the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations

The 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, officially known as the TotalEnergies U-23 Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship purposes, was the fourth edition of this quadrennial football tournament. The tournament was organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for male national teams with players under 23 years of age.

It was held in Morocco from June 24 to July 8, 2023, marking the second time Morocco hosted the tournament, having been the inaugural host in 2011.

On July 8, 2023, Morocco made history by winning their first TotalEnergies U-23 Africa Cup of Nations title with a 2-1 victory over ten-man Egypt at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Morocco Beat Argentina 2-1 at the Paris 2024 Olympics

Argentina was eventually beaten 2-1 by Morocco following a VAR review after play was suspended with the score tied at 2-2. The Group B match of players under 23 took place at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, France.

Chaos erupted during the opening match of the Olympic football tournament between Argentina and Morocco due to a fan invasion.

Soufiane Rahimi gave the Atlas Lions the lead just before halftime and doubled their lead with a penalty in the 51st minute.

The 2024 Paris Olympics Games

The Olympics officially opened in Paris on Friday, July 26, and will continue through Sunday, August 11. The opening ceremony was held on the Seine River, which flows through Paris.

There is quiet confidence in the Arab world that the 2024 Olympics will be a cause for celebration this summer. With the ongoing development of sporting infrastructure and the promotion of women's sports, Arab countries have seen significant improvements in their collective results.

At the 2020 Tokyo Games, Arab athletes secured their highest-ever medal count, winning five golds, five silvers, and eight bronze medals. There is a realistic expectation that they will surpass this total in Paris.

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