North-West North African fans back teams' World Cup bids

North African football fans in Greater Manchester have been gearing up for Egypt and Morocco's World Cup with Argentina and France.

Maz and Ingy, an Egyptian couple from Cheadle, are preparing to host friends at their home on Tuesday for the quarter final against the South American side.

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Maz, a pharmacist and dual national, said he had enjoyed watching both England and Egypt progress in the tournament.

A Moroccan fan awaiting Thursday's game against France said they would be supporting Mo Salah's side as they took on Lionel Messi's men when the Egypt - Argentina game kicks off in Atlanta at 17:00 BST.

"I feel incredibly lucky, if anything a little bit spoiled, to not only be able to support and cheer for both teams, but watch them shine," Maz said.

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He said the family would be gathering "Egyptian Mancunians" at their house after work for a watch party, with snacks ready and Egypt shirts on.

"Salah versus Messi - what more can you ask for?" he added.

Ingy, a marketing manager from Egypt, said the team's run had given supporters unexpected hope.

"We have not expected to go that far in the tournament, but now we are given hope that we can actually go even further," she said.

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She said watching with other Egyptian fans in Manchester helped ease the feeling of being away from home.

Ahmad, a facilities manager at a housing association who lives in Urmston, said he would watch Egypt's match at home with his English wife.

"I hope England and Egypt meet in the semi-final, then it will be a win-win for me," he said.

He said he usually watched matches in Rusholme because "the atmosphere is great", and would return there to support Morocco in their quarter-final against France.

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Manal, 26, who is from Morocco and lives in Manchester, said she was also backing Egypt.

"I am working from home so I can especially watch and support Egypt," she said.

"I'm closing my laptop at 4pm.

"And for the Morocco game, I'll travel to London and watch with friends. There is a big Moroccan community there."

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