The death toll in Morocco from the devastating earthquake of September 8th 2023 is approaching 3,000, while rescue teams continue to search under the rubble of buildings.

The African country was plunged into mourning and in a “heavy” atmosphere the national beach soccer team competed in the 3rd Mediterranean Beach Games “Heraklion 2023”.

Before Morocco’s opening match in the tournament, on Saturday September 9th, against Spain, a moment of silence was observed by everyone on the pitch.

Afterwards, in their statements, the Moroccan players dedicated the victories over Greece (11-3) and France (2-0) to the victims of the earthquake.

Morocco competed in the bronze medal game of the event, winning the 3rd place, defeating Egypt 5-3 in the “battle” of Africa.

And at the end of the match, the camera captured a shocking image that caused shivers of emotion.

The entire Moroccan team gathered in the centre of the pitch and, holding hands, prayed for their compatriots.

It is so far the strongest moment of the games in Crete.

Although the joy of winning a medal in the Mediterranean Beach Games for the first time in the country’s history was great, everyone was in tears at that moment. They forgot about it and it was as if time stopped. The tears will return to their faces when they return to Morocco and see in person the shocking images, caused by this huge natural disaster….