Omani influencer asked to wear France kit by Morocco fans after unlucky World Cup run
An Omani influencer is being urged by Morocco football fans to cheer on France during Wednesday's World Cup semi-final match, following an unlucky run in his predictions so far.
Mohammed Al-Hajri, better known as Mjomba, has picked a side in the World Cup games he has attended in Qatar, so far, and worn their colours as a sign of support.
Unfortunately for the teams in question, they have gone on to lose.
Morocco fans, knowing they face an up-hill battle against World Cup favourites France, want to summon Mjomba's uncanny ability to pick the wrong side by asking him to wear a Les Bleus shirt tonight.
"There was a Moroccan fan beside me and told him what happened and he begged me not to come to the stadium for Morocco v Spain match," he said.
Morocco went on to beat Spain in a penalty shoot-out, owing to the skills of goalkeeper 'Bono', and perhaps a little 'bad luck' from Mjomba.
The Atlas Lions fans are now hoping Mjomba picks their opponents again.
The 'jinx' began when Mjomba wore a Qatar shirt in their opening game against Ecuador, which the Qataris lost 2-0.
The football fan put on a Senegal shirt for their 'Last 16' game against England, an Argentina one for the group-stage clash against Saudi Arabia, and wrapped himself in a South Korean flag against Brazil. One can guess who went on to win these matches.
Mjomba has become something of a cult hero in Oman, where many Omanis will be cheering on their Arab compatriots in Morocco.
"Mohammed Al-Hajry is #omani citizen [nicknamed] #majomba #WorldCup2022 fans & #media love his sense of humor that touched [their] heart," one Omani tweeted.
"Thanks Mohammed we are proud of you keep spreading joy [globally] as YOU ARE NEVER BAD LUCK TO ANYONE #WorldcupQatar2022."
The social media star now has garnered 420,000 followers on Instagram and will likely win many more fans in Morocco if he dons a France shirt during Wednesday night's game.
But France has also cottoned onto the Morocco fans' secret to success and made their own request to Mjomba ahead of the crunch semi-final clash.
"An Important message to #Majomba from @LucianoRispoli1," the French Embassy in Oman tweeted, where the first councilor addressed the Omani football fan in a video message.
"In the name of the friendship between France and Morocco, and in the name of the friendship between France and the Sultanate of Oman, [didn't understand] today to wear a white shirt [Morocco's away shirt]," Rispoli asked, saying he looks forward to watching the final with the Omani influencer no matter the result.
A picture emerged on Wednesday of Mjomba (possibly) wearing the colours of Les Bleus and giving a thumbs-up.
Moroccans will be hoping he has picked the wrong team for this match.
يسلم عليكم#مجومبا#المغرب_فرنسا
— عمانية من أرض عبري (@OmanOman1970) December 14, 2022
😂 pic.twitter.com/h2Qsm2cdnn