Mamdani celebrates African football, strengthens diaspora bonds
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stepped into the role of cultural ambassador when he joined Moroccan and broader African football fans at the Dar Lbahja restaurant in Queens for the opening matches of the Africa Cup of Nations, demonstrating an understanding of how sporting events serve as powerful vehicles for community connection and cultural expression. His unexpected appearance at the Moroccan restaurantlocated in the Astoria neighborhood home to a large Arab communitysignaled recognition that building municipal bonds requires presence in spaces where diverse communities gather to celebrate shared identity.
AFCON Brings African Pride to New York Diaspora
The Africa Cup of Nations, or AFCON, represents continental pride and cultural expression for millions of Africans and diaspora communities across the United States. The 2025 tournament, held in Morocco across December and early January, has broken attendance records and demonstrated the tournament’s capacity to unite supporters across national boundaries. Senegal ultimately defeated Morocco in the final on January 18, capturing the continental championship and drawing global attention to African football.
Mamdani’s Personal Football Memories Connect Experience
In an interview on the sidelines of AFCON in Morocco, Mamdani shared his most vivid football memory: Senegal’s upset victory over heavily favored France in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The moment held such power that the young politician was late to school for the first time after his father’s strict rulesa memory that illustrates how sports transcend national boundaries and shape identity formation. As a youth, Mamdani followed legendary Senegalese players including Papa Bouba Diop, Henri Camara, Khalilou Fadiga, and El-Hadji Diouf.
Restaurant as Community Cultural Center
Dar Lbahja restaurant in Astoria transformed into what the establishment’s owner described as a vibrant space combining the excitement of the continental football event with authentic Moroccan cultural elements. The restaurant featured traditional Moroccan decor, cuisine, and musiccreating atmosphere reflecting cultural pride. Videos from the Morocco-Comoros match went viral on social media, documenting the mayor-elect watching with passionate supporters while enjoying traditional Moroccan food.
Diaspora Spaces Matter for Political Connection
The mayor’s appearance reflected understanding that immigrant and diaspora communities often feel marginalized in mainstream political engagement. By showing up physically in spaces where Moroccan, Senegalese, and broader African communities gather, Mamdani demonstrated respect for cultural identities and suggested his administration would value diverse constituencies beyond traditional political venues.
AFCON Final Unites Competing National Communities
The January 18 AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco attracted watch parties across New York’s African communities. Rather than creating conflict between supporters of rival nations, the tournamentand events like Mamdani’s restaurant visitserved to unite diaspora communities in celebration of African football excellence. The spectacle included supporters in traditional national dress, drums, dancing, and chanting that transformed public spaces into temporary extensions of continental celebration.
