Morocco players posed for group photographs with their mothers as they receive heroic welcome from thousands of fans

While receiving a heroic welcome from thousands of fans, Morocco players posed for group photos with their mothers.

To celebrate the return of their national football team, thousands of Moroccans gathered in the capital on Tuesday.

Morocco was the first Arab or African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, as you may recall.

In the round of 16 Spain and Morocco played to a 0-0 draw, necessitating a penalty shootout where Yassine Bounou, the goalkeeper, saved two penalties. 

The Atlas Lions of Morocco defeated Portugal 1-0 to progress to the semi-finals until the lost 2-0 to France. 

But then, Morocco will till have to hold their heads high despite losing their third placed match against Croatia. 

The streets of Morocco in Rabat was occupied with thousand of fans who came out to welcome their hero. 

The team and Walid Regragui, their coach, were taken from the airport and around Rabat's central area by dozens of police cars and motorcycles with loud sirens and flashing lights, which they boarded from an open-topped bus.

After that, the group ran straight for the famous castle, where Ruler Mohammed VI took them "in recognition of the notable accomplishment."

The Moroccans also took a photograph with their mothers inside the Palace of their ruler, King Mohammed Vi.