Algerian commentator Hafid Derradji reacted to Senegal’s coronation as Africa Cup of Nations champions by saying that Morocco’s “Atlas Lions fell victim to the real lions.”
Derradji’s remarks came as Senegal celebrated lifting the AFCON trophy, after a tournament in which they confirmed their strength and finished the job on the biggest stage.
In his message, Derradji pointed to the well-known nickname of Morocco’s national team, “the Atlas Lions,” and contrasted it with Senegal’s nickname, “the Lions of Teranga,” insisting that Senegal were the side that truly deserved to be called the lions this time.
The comment also served as a clear reference to Morocco’s exit along the way, as Derradji framed it as a moment where the Atlas Lions met a team he described as the “real lions.”
Senegal’s title underlined their status among Africa’s elite, and Derradji’s words summed up the feeling that the champions had been the most convincing side when it mattered most.
