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Tag: Morocco

  • 9th Games of La Francophonie: Morocco emerges as the leading country in the medal standings

    9th Games of La Francophonie: Morocco emerges as the leading country in the medal standings

    Morocco achieved a remarkable feat at the 9th Jeux de la Francophonie, held from July 28 to August 6 in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), by securing a total of 58 medals.

    This extraordinary performance allowed Morocco to top the rankings of the sporting and cultural event for the first time in its history.

    On the final day of competition, Saturday, Morocco made waves by earning 23 gold, 16 silver, and 19 bronze medals.

    The Kingdom’s impressive medal tally comprised 42 medals in athletics, 8 in judo, 5 in road cycling, 2 in wrestling, and 1 in ball juggling.

    This achievement marks a new record for Morocco at the Jeux de la Francophonie, surpassing their previous best in Côte d’Ivoire in 2017, where they earned a total of 42 medals (13 gold, 14 silver, and 15 bronze).

    A noteworthy aspect of Morocco’s participation was that a majority of the medals, 34 out of 58 (including 18 gold medals), were won by Moroccan athletes, highlighting the significant role of women in the country’s sporting landscape.

    As a member of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Morocco also holds the distinction of organising the first Jeux de la Francophonie in Casablanca in 1989, where they secured a commendable 3rd position with 21 medals.

    The 9th edition of the Jeux de la Francophonie brought together around 2,500 young individuals aged 18 to 35, representing 88 countries, including Morocco, to participate in a wide range of sporting disciplines and cultural activities as part of this esteemed event.

    The Jeux de la Francophonie concluded on Sunday, marking the successful culmination of the engaging and spirited gathering.

  • 24 persons die in road accident in Morocco

    24 persons die in road accident in Morocco

    On Sunday, a tragic road crash claimed the lives of 24 people in a rural area of Morocco, as reported by the state news agency.

    The accident occurred in Azilal Province, approximately 310 km (190 miles) away from the capital city Rabat. A truck, transporting local shoppers to the regional weekly market, overturned on the road, leading to the devastating loss of lives.

    Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences.

  • World Cup: Lahmari nets winner for Morocco against Colombia

    World Cup: Lahmari nets winner for Morocco against Colombia

    Morocco secured a spot in the World Cup last 16, joining Colombia, following a 1-0 victory in Perth. Anissa Lahmari’s late first-half goal proved decisive in sealing Morocco’s progression.

    During the initial period, Morocco dominated proceedings, and their persistence paid off when Lahmari tapped in after Catalina Perez saved Ghizlane Chebbak’s initial penalty kick.

    In the second half, Colombia mounted attempts to level the score on several occasions. However, goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi emerged as the standout performer, safeguarding Morocco’s lead. This achievement saw tournament debutants Morocco advance to the knockout stages, at the expense of two-time winners Germany.

    Morocco’s pathway to advancement necessitated a victory while hoping Germany would not triumph over South Korea, which indeed transpired as the latter match ended in a 1-1 draw, ultimately favoring Morocco’s progression.

    Morocco nearly took the lead within the first moments of the game when Ibtissam Jraidi unleashed a shot from a narrow angle, but Perez deflected it for a corner.

    In the closing moments of the first half, Morocco was awarded a penalty after Jraidi was fouled by Daniela Arias in the box. Chebbak took the penalty kick, aiming for the bottom corner, but Perez thwarted it. Following a misdirected attempt at goal from the rebound, Lahmari capitalized on the loose ball to find the net.

    Around the 60-minute mark, Colombia presented their first significant chance. Daniela Montoya delivered a close-range shot at Er-Rmichi, with Lorena Bedoya’s subsequent effort slightly missing the target.

    Building pressure, the South American side came close to equalizing once more. Mayra Ramirez’s powerful shot was deflected wide by Er-Rmichi.

    Continuing their offensive, Colombia was close to scoring again, with Linda Caicedo receiving an opportunity. However, her shot was tipped over the bar, and Ramirez’s attempt was denied by the post.

    In stoppage time, Morocco had an opportunity to extend their lead to 2-0, but Rosella Ayane’s shot from inside the area was directed straight at Perez.

  • Morocco makes it to World Cup knock-out stages

    Morocco makes it to World Cup knock-out stages

    In a significant triumph, Morocco secured its spot in the next round of the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Colombia.

    This win secured second place in their group.

    Surprisingly, Morocco’s progress came at the expense of Germany, one of the tournament’s favorites.

    Germany could only manage a 1-1 draw against South Korea, resulting in them finishing in the third spot in the group.

    Next Tuesday, Morocco will face France in the round-of-16, marking a crucial match in their journey through the tournament.

    Among the African teams, the Atlas Lionesses now join Nigeria and South Africa in the knock-out stages, showcasing the impressive performance of African women’s football in the competition.

  • Historical! Moroccan player, Nouhaila Benzina first to wear hijab

    Historical! Moroccan player, Nouhaila Benzina first to wear hijab

    In a historic moment at the Women’s World Cup, Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wear a hijab while playing, as Morocco secured their first-ever victory in a Group H match against South Korea in Adelaide.

    Ibtissam Jraidi’s early header proved to be the decisive goal, granting the North African side a remarkable win, while South Korea’s chances of advancing in the tournament were severely diminished with one match still to play.

    Previously, FIFA had banned religious head coverings in its sanctioned games citing “health and safety reasons,” but this restriction was overturned in 2014 following advocacy from activists, athletes, and soccer officials.

    This progressive move paved the way for Nouhaila Benzina to make history with her hijab on the field.

    Morocco’s triumph is a significant milestone for the team at the Women’s World Cup.

    Despite being 55 ranks below South Korea in the women’s rankings, the African side made an early breakthrough with Ibtissam Jraidi’s remarkable header, securing their first-ever World Cup goal.

    Although South Korea’s Eun-Sun Park came close to equalizing with a diving header, her effort narrowly missed the target.

    Throughout the game, Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi was hardly tested by the South Korean team, who struggled to create chances and failed to register a shot on target.

    Nouhaila Benzina showcased her defensive prowess with crucial interventions during the match and even came close to scoring herself from a set-piece, volleying a snapshot just over the bar.

    In the late stages of the game, South Korea’s Casey Phair had an opportunity to level the score, but the 16-year-old, who had already made history as the youngest player to appear in a Women’s World Cup match during their previous defeat to Colombia, missed the target, leaving her team at the bottom of the group.


    Collin Bell, the South Korea manager, said: “I can’t believe it, to be honest. We saved the worst two performances in my tenure for the World Cup. I didn’t recognise my own team.

    “The reality is we were not good enough in both games. Why that was, we have to analyse in detail. I’m not going to let my emotions take over now and obviously we’re all very disappointed.

    “The players are much better than they’ve shown in both matches and it really is almost unbelievable that we’ve performed like we have.”

    Morocco’s tally of three points moves them level with Germany and Colombia in Group H, although those two sides meet later on Sunday.

    South Korea have zero points and will be eliminated if Germany avoid defeat in Sydney.

  • Nearly 900 migrants rescued by Moroccan navy, one drowned

    Nearly 900 migrants rescued by Moroccan navy, one drowned

    A source from the military the Moroccan navy has saved about 900 illegal migrants in recent days, the majority of whom were from sub-Saharan Africa, 400 of whom were found in Moroccan territorial waters. At the same time, there have been an increasing number of efforts to reach Spain.

    One body was pulled from the ocean during the rescue efforts, the Moroccan source reported on Tuesday.

    “During the period from 10 to 17 July, Royal Navy units rescued 845 would-be irregular migrants of various nationalities, the majority of whom were Sub-Saharan Africans. Nearly 400 people were rescued in waters under national jurisdiction in the south of the Kingdom,” the source said.

    Those who were rescued received assistance on naval vessels before being brought ashore for identification.

    Following stricter controls in the Mediterranean, there has been a significant surge in activity along the Canary Islands’ migratory route, which serves as the gateway to Europe in the Atlantic Ocean, with many migrants departing from the coasts of northwest Africa.

    Similar perilous crossing attempts are also being made from the coasts of Morocco and the Western Sahara.

    NGOs regularly report fatal shipwrecks, estimating that the death toll may reach dozens or even hundreds of people, occurring in Moroccan, Spanish, or international waters.

    In a tweet on Tuesday, the Alarmphone aid network reported that 24 individuals lost their lives when their boat, carrying 61 people, capsized off Western Sahara two days prior. However, this information has not been officially confirmed by Moroccan authorities.

    According to the Moroccan authorities, they have thwarted 26,000 attempts at illegal emigration during the first five months of 2023. In 2022, approximately 71,000 attempts were foiled, according to the Ministry of the Interior.

  • 2023 CAF Awards: Morocco to host in December

    2023 CAF Awards: Morocco to host in December

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has disclosed that Morocco will host the 2023 CAF Awards.

    This marks the second consecutive time that the North African nation will hold African football’s esteemed awards ceremony.

    CAF made the announcement through a statement on their website, confirming that the event is scheduled to take place on December 11.

    “The prestigious CAF Awards will make a welcome return on 11 December 2023 in Morocco to celebrate the stars of African football.

    “After last year’s successful event hosted in the Moroccan capital of Rabat which saw Senegal inspirational forward Sadio Mane and Nigeria and Barcelona top striker Asisat Oshoala claim honours, the CAF Awards will feature some of Africa’s finest stars.”

    The release further noted that the city and time for the event will be announced at the appropriate time.

    “CAF will communicate time and host city in due course.”

    CAF also confirmed that the period under review for the award is from September 2022 to June 2023.

    “The period under review for the CAF Awards 2023 spans from September 2022 until June 2023, encompassing an extraordinary chapter in African football history.”

    The 2022 edition saw Senegal and Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane claim the best Men’s Player of The Year whereas Nigeria and Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala won the Women’s Player of The Year.

  • 2026 World Cup: Morocco gets favorable draw in the African qualifiers

    2026 World Cup: Morocco gets favorable draw in the African qualifiers

    Morocco, a team that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, has been given a relatively straightforward path to the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, following the draw for the African qualifiers held in Abidjan.

    In the qualifiers, the top team from each of the nine groups, which consist of six countries each, will secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.

    The four best runners-up will advance to an African playoff stage, where the winners will then compete in the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March 2026.

    This guarantees Africa nine spots in the expanded 48-team finals, with the possibility of a tenth team being added through the playoffs.

    Morocco have been drawn with Zambia, Congo-Brazzaville, Tanzania, Niger and Eritrea, and will be heavy favourites to finish top of the pool.

    They had a thrilling run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar last year, the first African side ever to make it to that stage of the global tournament, and finished in fourth place.

    African champions Senegal face a tougher road with the Democratic Republic of Congo in their group and a potentially tricky away day in Mauritania. They also meet 2006 World Cup finalists Togo and the duo of Sudan and South Sudan.

    Nigeria and South Africa may each be wincing at their draw after being paired together, along with Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho. Nigeria and South Africa have a long-standing bitter rivalry and will not fancy facing each other.

    There is also a mighty west African clash in Group I as Mali and Ghana meet. They must also play tricky Madagascar, Central African Republic, Comoros and Chad.

    Tunisia have been to five of the last seven World Cups and will fancy their chances again with an easy looking draw. They meet Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Malawi, Liberia and Sao Tome e Principe. There should be few alarms for them.

    Algeria missed out on the 2022 finals in heartbreaking fashion with a last-gasp playoff loss to Cameroon, but will be confident of getting it right first time as they clash with Guinea, Uganda, Mozambique, Botswana and Somalia.

    The first two match days in the groups will be played on November 13th-21st 2023 and the last two on October 6th-14th 2025. The African playoff stage is scheduled for November 10th-18th 2025.

    Africa World Cup qualifying groups:

    Group A: Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Djibouti

    Group B: Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritania, Togo, Sudan, South Sudan

    Group C: Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Lesotho

    Group D: Cameroon, Cape Verde, Angola, Libya, Eswatini, Mauritius

    Group E: Morocco, Zambia, Congo, Tanzania, Niger, Eritrea

    Group F: Ivory Coast, Gabon, Kenya, The Gambia, Burundi, Seychelles

    Group G: Algeria, Guinea, Uganda, Mozambique, Botswana, Somalia

    Group H: Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Malawi, Liberia, Sao Tome e Principe

    Group I: Mali, Ghana, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Comoros, Chad.

  • 2023 U-23 AFCON: Black Meteors concede to 5 goals against Morocco

    2023 U-23 AFCON: Black Meteors concede to 5 goals against Morocco

    Head coach of the Black Meteors, Ibrahim Tanko, has attributed tiredness as a factor influencing his team’s performance in their second group game against Morocco at the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Ghana faced a devastating defeat against the host nation, conceding five goals while managing to score only once during the 90 minutes of play.

    Despite the 5-1 scoreline, Tanko acknowledged that the team was far from their best, particularly as Morocco demonstrated sharpness in their counterattacks.

    Tanko further explained that the short time for recovery between the first and second games resulted in fatigue among his players.

    “We had a day rest and they had two [days]. You could see from the game between Congo and Guinea how the scoreline was because Congo also had one day rest,” he said.

    “We still have a chance in this tournament, we have a last game so we are going to prepare for that.”

    The Black Meteors thought they were just within one reach against Morocco after Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s strike to make it 3-2.

    But the goal was chalked off after VAR spotted the ball had first gone out of play before being brought back in the build-up to the goal.

    “The performance of the referee, I can’t say much because we have the VAR, which is supporting them,” Tank added when quizzed about the officiating.

    “All the decisions they take are okay so I think they are doing very well.”

    Ghana will face Guinea in their last group game knowing that anything short of a win will see them exit the competition while ending any hopes of being at the 2024 Olympic Games.

  • 2023 U-23 AFCON: Coach blames stress for Morocco poor display

    2023 U-23 AFCON: Coach blames stress for Morocco poor display

    The head coach of the Black Meteors, Ibrahim Tanko, has attributed his team’s performance in their second group game against Morocco at the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations to fatigue.

    Ghana faced a crushing defeat at the hands of the host nation, conceding five goals while only managing to score once.

    Despite the 5-1 scoreline, the outcome of the game did not fully reflect the overall performance, as the Ghanaian team failed to deliver their best performance.

    In contrast, Morocco displayed sharpness and effectiveness whenever they launched counterattacks.

    Speaking after the game, Tanko revealed the time for recovery between the first game and the second was short as his players were tired.

    “We had a day rest and they had two [days]. You could see from the game between Congo and Guinea how the scoreline was because Congo also had one day rest,” he said.

    “We still have a chance in this tournament, we have a last game so we are going to prepare for that.”

    The Black Meteors thought they were just within one reach against Morocco after Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s strike to make it 3-2.

    But the goal was chalked off after VAR spotted the ball had first gone out of play before being brought back in the build-up to the goal.

    “The performance of the referee, I can’t say much because we have the VAR, which is supporting them,” Tank added when quizzed about the officiating.

    “All the decisions they take are okay so I think they are doing very well.”

    Ghana will face Guinea in their last group game knowing that anything short of a win will see them exit the competition while ending any hopes of being at the 2024 Olympic Games.

  • AU Day: Ghana’s ‘Jollof’ and ‘Waakye’ reigns at event in Morocco

    AU Day: Ghana’s ‘Jollof’ and ‘Waakye’ reigns at event in Morocco

    Many people queued at the King Mohammed V Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, to sample Ghana’s indigenous dishes and beverages as part of the commemoration of “Africa Day” in Rabat, Morocco.

    Ghana’s ‘Waakye’ and ‘Jollo’, served with indigenous pepper sauce and spicy beverages known as ‘Sobolo’ attracted many participants at the exhibition coordinated by Ghana’s Embassy in Morocco.

    The swift manner in, which some patrons completed their first course and opted for another turn was indicative that their tongues had had a memorable encounter with a good meal.

    “This is very good. I’ll taste it again. We also prepare jollof in our country but this is more spicy,” Philip, a participant from Cameroon, said.

    Fasouma, a Nigerien student in Morocco, told the Ghana News Agency that: “I have heard about Ghana’s Jollof so I wanted to have a taste of it. This is really good and I wish your people can teach me how to prepare it.”

    Nasiru, a Nigerian journalist, revived the Ghana-Nigeria jollof debate, but admitted in the end that “Ghana’s jollof is almost as good as that of Nigeria”.

    Earlier, some Ghanaian students in Morocco performed Ghanaian cultural dances at a ceremony that preceded the food exhibition.

    The Kingdom of Morocco on Thursday held a series of events to mark the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU) in 1963.

    In an interview with the GNA, Mr Samuel Jojo Effah-Broni, Ghana’s Ambassador to Morocco, said the country’s rich local meals demonstrated its unique culture and identity.

    He said many Moroccans and other foreign nationals were in love with Ghana’s local dishes and beverages.

    “Everybody enjoys the taste of Ghanaian food. Ours is unique. Other countries prepare waakye and jollof, but they are not smooth like ours,” Mr Effah-Broni said.

    He said the country must package and market its local dishes well to drive cultural export and to reap benefits for the country in the area of tourism.

  • Morocco: Ghana’s Jollof and Waakye receive much attention on AU Day

    Morocco: Ghana’s Jollof and Waakye receive much attention on AU Day

    It was an intriguing sight to see as people lined up outside the King Mohammed V Theatre in Rabat, Morocco to taste Ghana’s regional foods and beverages that were being served as part of the celebration of “Africa Day“.

    Ghana’s ‘Waakye’ and ‘Jollo’, served with indigenous pepper sauce and spicy beverages known as ‘Sobolo’ attracted many participants at the exhibition coordinated by Ghana’s Embassy in Morocco.

    The swift manner in, which some patrons completed their first course and opted for another turn was indicative that their tongues had had a memorable encounter with a good meal.

    “This is very good. I’ll taste it again. We also prepare jollof in our country but this is more spicy,” Philip, a participant from Cameroon, said.

    Fasouma, a Nigerien student in Morocco, told the Ghana News Agency that: “I have heard about Ghana’s Jollof so I wanted to have a taste of it. This is really good and I wish your people can teach me how to prepare it.”

    Nasiru, a Nigerian journalist, revived the Ghana-Nigeria jollof debate, but admitted in the end that “Ghana’s jollof is almost as good as that of Nigeria”.

    Earlier, some Ghanaian students in Morocco performed Ghanaian cultural dances at a ceremony that preceded the food exhibition.

    The Kingdom of Morocco on Thursday held a series of events to mark the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU) in 1963.

    In an interview with the GNA, Mr Samuel Jojo Effah-Broni, Ghana’s Ambassador to Morocco, said the country’s rich local meals demonstrated its unique culture and identity.

    He said many Moroccans and other foreign nationals were in love with Ghana’s local dishes and beverages.

    “Everybody enjoys the taste of Ghanaian food. Ours is unique. Other countries prepare waakye and jollof, but they are not smooth like ours,” Mr Effah-Broni said.

    He said the country must package and market its local dishes well to drive cultural export and to reap benefits for the country in the area of tourism.

  • Amazigh new year in Morocco approved as national holiday

    Amazigh new year in Morocco approved as national holiday

    The Amazigh new year has been acknowledged as a recognized paid national holiday by King Mohamed IV of Morocco.

    It follows a long-running campaign by activists for the recognition of the calendar recognised by the Berber people, or Amazigh as they prefer to be called.

    The Amazigh, who constitute around 40% of the country’s population of more than 34 million, celebrate the new year, also known as Yennayer.

    The first day of the year is based on seasons and agriculture – and counting is said to have started when an Amazigh king defeated an Egyptian pharaoh 2972 years ago.

    The current year is 2973.

    The day is also celebrated by Arabic-speaking Moroccans who call it the beginning of the agricultural year corresponding to 13 January.

    The royal palace said on Wednesday that the approval of the holiday showed the “king’s commitment to the Berber language, a fundamental part of Morocco’s authentic identity and a shared asset for all Moroccans”.

  • Ghana secures place in the 2023 U-23 AFCON group stage draw

    Ghana secures place in the 2023 U-23 AFCON group stage draw

    The pots for Morocco’s hosting of the 2023 U-23 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been determined.

    Eight countries will compete in the quadrennial football competition for players under the age of 23, including Ghana, Morocco, the host country, and defending champion Egypt.

    For the group stage draw, Ghana and Mali have been confirmed to be in Pot 1, while Gabon, Congo, Guinea, and Niger will be in Pot 2.

    Ghana will be placed in a group with two of Gabon, Congo, Guinea, and Niger, one of Morocco, and Egypt, according to the draw.

    The Black Meteors secured their place at the competition after beating Mozambique 4-1 on aggregate in the second round of qualifiers and Algeria 2-1 in the third and final round.

    This will be Ghana’s second appearance at the tournament, and they will be looking to make an impact on the continental stage and qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

    The date for the draw of the competition is yet to be announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

  • Morocco’s bid, an African bid- CAF President on 2030 World Cup hosting

    Morocco’s bid, an African bid- CAF President on 2030 World Cup hosting

    Morocco’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup has been dubbed the African continent’s bid, according to Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe.

    This came after his group received widespread support for Morocco’s quest to host the FIFA World Cup in 2030 from the African football community.

    Morocco recently declared that it is submitting a bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 together with Spain and Portugal at the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali.

    The President of CAF, Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “The unanimous decision that was taken by the CAF Executive Committee to support Morocco’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 means that the bid of Morocco is now the bid of the African Continent.

    “We are now focusing on ensuring that Africa once more hosts the FIFA World Cup and are committed to working together with all Football National Associations and Confederations to make this happen.”

    Morocco previously made a bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 but lost to a joint bid from the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    The joint bid by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal for the 2030 World Cup is seen as a strong contender, given the history of successful World Cup bids from neighboring countries.

    The World Cup was held in Spain in 1982 and in Portugal in 2004.

  • FIFA Ranking: Ghana drops to 60th place despite Angola victory

    FIFA Ranking: Ghana drops to 60th place despite Angola victory

    The Black Stars of Ghana have fallen to 60th on the most recent FIFA Ranking despite defeating Angola 1-0 on March 23, 2023.

    In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the team started the year off on a victorious note with a late 1-0 triumph over Angola.

    The Black Stars pulled off a spirited 1-1 draw with Angola in Luanda four days after their dramatic victory at the Baba Yara Stadium.

    The team moved backwards in the FIFA rankings, therefore the win and draw had minimal effect on their position.

    The Black Stars used to lie 59th in the World but have now slumped to 60 in the global rankings.

    In Africa, Ghana maintained its 11th position while Morocco continue as the number one footballing nation on the continent.

    In the world, Morocco are 11th, with Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria placing 28th, 34th, 35th, and 40th respectively as the top five African countries.

  • Morocco, Spain and Portugal announces joint bid to host 2030 World Cup

    Morocco, Spain and Portugal announces joint bid to host 2030 World Cup

    Morocco will submit a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, according to King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

    Great Britain, making their tournament debut in the fifth iteration, stood out in a tense match against Mexico, who shocked Pool C favourites USA in their previous game.

    This was stated in a message at the presentation of the Sovereign with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) President’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda.

    “This joint bid, which is unprecedented in football history, will bring together Africa and Europe, the northern and southern Mediterranean, and the African, Arab and Euro-Mediterranean worlds,” said the Sovereign in this message read by the Minister of National Education, National Formation and Sport, Chakib Benmoussa.

    King Mohammed VI further specified that this candidacy “will also bring out the best in all of us – in effect, a combination of genius, creativity, experience, and means.”

    In Kigali, CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2022 was also awarded to King Mohammed VI.

    This is “first and foremost, a tribute to the genius of Africa and its vibrant youth,” the Sovereign said on Tuesday.

    The King stated that “it is still my firmly held belief, as I pointed out in my speech at the 29th African Union Summit in 2017, that “the future of Africa hinges on its youth”.

    Only “a proactive, youth-oriented policy can channel energy for the achievement of development, therefore, the Award you are bestowing upon me today is, first and foremost, a tribute to the genius of Africa and its vibrant youth.”

    The King has, in this sense, affirmed to have made soccer a lever for success and sustainable human development in the Kingdom.

  • Lidl emerged most recent supermarket to ration fruits and vegetables

    Lidl emerged most recent supermarket to ration fruits and vegetables

    The number of fruits and vegetables that consumers are allowed to purchase has been restricted by Lidl, the newest store to do so.

    Customers at the bargain store will only be able to purchase three tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers apiece due to a ‘surge in demand’ as a result of shortages at other stores, the store claims.

    The action follows the introduction of comparable limits by Aldi, Asda, Morrisons, and Tesco.

    There has been a shortfall of some vegetables reaching British shop shelves as a result of supply chain problems and harsh weather in south-west Europe and northern Africa.

    Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, the Co-op and M&S are not currently planning to introduce constraints.

    A Lidl spokesperson said: ‘As advised to our customers through signage in our stores last week, adverse weather conditions in Spain and Morocco have recently impacted the availability of certain salad items across the supermarket sector.

    ‘Whilst we still have good availability across the majority of our stores, due to a recent increase in demand we have taken the decision to temporarily limit the purchase of peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers to three items per person.

    ‘This will help to ensure that all of our customers have access to the products they need.’

    Government food minister Mark Spencer has summoned supermarket bosses to a meeting, in order to find out how they plan to tackle the issues.

    Mandatory Credit: Photo by Amer Ghazzal/Shutterstock (13781825a) Empty tomato shelves at a local Sainsbury's branch in Wimbledon. There is a shortage of British tomatoes due to the soaring costs of energy and fertiliser as supermarkets are placing limits on some fruits and veegtables that customers can buy Food and vegetable shortages, Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom - 25 Feb 2023
    Customers have been confronted by empty vegetable shelves at supermarkets across the UK

    He said: ‘The current situation – caused by recent poor weather in North Africa – shows how dependent we can be on certain trade routes for some types of food.

    I know families expect the fresh produce they need to be on the shelves when they go in for their weekly shop.

    ‘That is why I am calling in supermarket chiefs to find out what they are doing to get shelves stocked again and to outline how we can avoid a repeat of this.’

    Like Lidl, Tesco and Aldi are limiting customers to three units of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, while Asda is also limiting customers on lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries.

    Morrisons has set a limit of two items per customer for tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and peppers.

  • Morocco ‘ultras’ steal football show with passion, pyrotechnics

    Morocco ‘ultras’ steal football show with passion, pyrotechnics

      When Morocco’s “ultras” crowd into a football stadium, the fan groups’ full-throated chants, spectacular pyrotechnics and sometimes rowdy and anti-authoritarian antics often steal the show.

      Casablanca’s stadium rings to the chants of passionate supporters of the city’s Wydad club as they raise coloured placards aloft to form a vast, moving mosaic that spells out their motto: “Free souls”.

      The club’s die-hard fan group, known as the “Winners”, has a long-earned reputation for flamboyance — singing, setting off smoke bombs and making their cellphone torches dance collectively like fireflies.

      Some 10,000 of them regularly pack the north curve of Mohammed V stadium in Morocco’s economic capital, where they have a reputation for drawing more attention than the action on the pitch.

      Thousands of supporters are expected to put on their carefully choreographed show again as the team, fresh from winning the African Champions League, competes in the Club World Cup which started on Wednesday.

      “I can’t describe my love for the Wydad fans, they’re very special,” said one fan, Houssam Ait Wahman, 18, before a recent Moroccan league match against Fez that he watched with his mother and sisters.

      “Fans from all over the world can’t match us,” he boasted about the Winners, who came first in a global ranking by “Ultras World”, a popular Facebook page dedicated to the phenomenon.

      – ‘Crowd effect’ –

      Some ultras in Morocco and beyond have earned a reputation for violence, mostly brawling with rival fans — but the members are quick to defend what they praise as a fraternity united in their love for the game.

      “Supporting Wydad is a passion, a commitment that goes beyond football,” said Mohamed, a former Winner in his 30s who asked not to give his full name.

      The Winners are part of the international ultras culture, which has a strong following across the football-obsessed North African country.

      The image of Morocco’s ultras has often been associated with violence between rival groups. After two fans were killed in early 2016, authorities banned ultra fans from football grounds nationwide for two years.

      Former Winner Mohamed blamed the “crowd effect” and explained that sometimes “it takes just one person to do something stupid and it all kicks off”.

      Moroccan sociologist Abderrahim Bourkia, author of a recent essay on the subculture, said some fans “release their frustrations” through chanting, while others resort to violence.

      “The solution is to invest in the education of the youth,” he said.

      – City rivals –

      Not to be outdone by the Winners, fans of Wydad’s main Casablanca rival, Raja, also have a reputation for crowd-pleasing and exuberant performances.

      “Putting on a show is the hallmark of the ultras,” said Bourkia. “It’s a way for them to express themselves and showcase themselves.”

      Raja’s two ultras groups, the “Green Boys” and “Ultras Eagles”, are known for their overtly left-wing political slogans, both in the stadium and on social media.

      Their song “F bladi delmouni” (They Oppressed Me In My Own Country) calls out inequality and social injustice in the kingdom.

      The song has spread beyond Morocco’s borders and has been sung by pro-democracy protesters in neighbouring Algeria and even by Palestinians.

      “The Raja fans have an activist culture that gives voice to the voiceless, to stand up against oppression and condemn corruption,” a former Raja ultra told AFP.

      The phenomenon turns stadiums into “spaces of free expression”, Bourkia said.

      “Being part of the ultras is a unique experience,” said another Raja supporter. “Feeling that you’re being heard helps forge a personality.”

      Source: African News

    • 5 African countries with highest number of billionaires

      5 African countries with highest number of billionaires

      Most prominently in South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco, Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing economies, high-net-worth individuals, and wealth hubs.

      Southern African countries dominated the continent’s growth markets and wealth in 2021, experiencing the fastest growth compared to 2020.

      Total private wealth in Africa was $21 trillion between the first quarter of 2021 and the last quarter of 2022. This included 136,000 approximations of millionaires with net assets of at least $1 million each, 6,700 approximations of multi-millionaires with net assets of at least $10 million each, 305 approximations of cent-millionaires with net assets of at least $100 million each, and 18 approximations of billionaires with net assets of at least $1 billion each.

      South Africa’s total private wealth stood at $651 billion, with many multi-millionaires, cent-millionaires, and five billionaires. Egypt’s total private wealth stood at $307 billion, with many multi-millionaires, cent-millionaires, and five billionaires.

      Nigeria’s total private wealth stood at $228 billion, with many multi-millionaires, cent-millionaires, and three billionaires. Morocco’s total private wealth stood at $125 billion, with many multi-millionaires, cent-millionaires, and two billionaires.

      Algeria, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania have one billionaire each with many multi-millionaires and cent-millionaires, while Ghana, Kenya, and many other countries have many multi-millionaires and cent-millionaires. South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria make up about 56% of Africa’s wealth (wealth of individuals).

      As the wealth reports for 2023 are gradually emerging, let’s take a look at the top African countries with the highest number of billionaires.

    • George Weah backs Morocco’s bid for 2025 Afcon

      George Weah backs Morocco’s bid for 2025 Afcon

      Liberian President George Weah has added his backing for Morocco’s bid to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

      The former striker, who is the only African ever to win football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best player, said he expressed his “fullest and strong” support for the nation who reached the semi-final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

      BBC Sport Africa understands Weah relayed his backing in private during the MEDays international peace forum last November which is hosted annually in the Moroccan city Tangier.

      “Liberia fully endorses and supports Morocco’s bid to host Afcon 2025. I have made this commitment to King Mohamed VI. It is cast in stone,” Weah said in a statement released by Liberia’s state house following media reports he was ready to back Algeria’s bid.

      Weah cited Morocco’s investment in football development and said he has already begun campaigning for the bid with stakeholders around the continent.

      The 56-year-old, who played for clubs including Monaco, AC Milan and Chelsea during an 18-year career, also spoke of Morocco bringing immense pride to Africa during the World Cup.

      Algeria, South Africa, Zambia and a joint bid from Benin-Nigeria are the other nations seeking to replace Guinea, who were stripped of hosting rights because of concerns over infrastructure and facilities.

      Confederation of African Football (Caf) inspection teams are touring the bidding countries this month.

      Findings will be submitted to the 24-member Caf executive committee which will announce the winner on 10 February.

      Source: BBC

    • 2 French journalists prosecuted for “blackmail” against the king

      2 French journalists prosecuted for “blackmail” against the king

      Two French journalists were charged on Monday with trying to extort the King of Morocco in 2015. The charges against them were later reduced to one year in prison with a suspended sentence and a 15,000 euro fine, but the defendants maintain that the proposed financial arrangement originated in Rabat.

      “Where’s the blackmail, Mr President?”, defended Éric Laurent, former reporter for Radio France and Figaro Magazine and author of numerous books, accused of having demanded 2 million euros to give up publishing embarrassing information.

      The ex-journalist, now 75, recognizes before the Paris Criminal Court “an ethical error”, “a shipwreck” for having “agreed to (s) get involved in this case”, but not ” any criminal offence”.

      The Moroccan emissary “seduced me with his financial offer, I plunged and I deplore it”, abounds the other defendant Catherine Graciet , 48, author of books on the Maghreb and Libya

      Already authors in 2012 of a book on Mohammed VI , “The predatory king”, the two journalists had signed a contract with Le Seuil for a second volume on the same subject.

      On July 23, 2015, Éric Laurent contacted the private secretariat of the King of Morocco to request an appointment, organized on August 11 in a Parisian palace with an emissary of the monarchy, the lawyer Hicham Naciri.

      “I describe the contents of the book to him”, which plans to evoke tensions in the royal family and accusations of financial embezzlement involving public companies in the country, says Éric Laurent, seated on a chair at the bar of the court.

      “Me Naciri said to me: all that does not suit us, and very quickly we switch to a transaction. He is the one who proposes”, he says. _”_ That’s not how it happened,” replies Ralph Boussier, one of the lawyers for the Moroccan state, for whom it is indeed Mr Laurent who “referred to an arrangement” .

      The book project “never existed, they have no element to write it (…) The revelations that will shake the kingdom of Morocco: where are they? There is nothing”, he argues, believing that the two journalists saw in an attempt at blackmail “an opportunity” to “change your life”.

      After this meeting, Morocco filed a complaint. An investigation is ongoing,  the two other meetings are organized, on August 21 and 27.

      At the last, in the presence of Catherine Graciet, the two journalists sign an agreement to withdraw the book project against 2 million euros. Before being arrested with each 40,000 euros in cash. They then learn that the three encounters were recorded by the king’s emissary.

      Faced with the transcript of the first meeting, where he seems to be actively offering a sum, Mr Laurent sweeps away: “this recording is a fake”.

      An expert recognized that the copy given to the investigators had undergone “a post-processing, impossible to specify”, but the defence appeals deeming it illegal were rejected in 2017.

      “There is no evidence that this recording has been modified, fragmented or that there has been an assembly”, underlines the prosecutor.

      The decision will be made on March 14.

      Source: Africa News

    • Morocco denounces “provocative” behaviour at the Algerian football championship

      Rabat is upset by the grandson of Nelson Mandela’s comments calling for the “liberation” of Western Sahara.

      The ongoing political crisis between the two North African neighbors was exacerbated when Morocco denounced “provocative” behavior and “transgressions” prior to the start of a regional soccer competition in Algeria.

      The bitter conflict between Rabat and Algiers is partly fueled by the Western Sahara, a region that is claimed by both countries and where the Polisario movement, which is backed by Algeria, wants to hold an independence vote.

      The Moroccan football association criticised the grandson of Nelson Mandela for making a “provocative and surreal speech” at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) opening ceremony on Friday, calling for the “liberation” of the disputed territory.

      Rabat sees Western Sahara as an integral part of the kingdom and a highly sensitive issue of security and national pride.

      “Let us fight to free Western Sahara from oppression,” Mandla Mandela told the crowd at the stadium named in honour of his grandfather, South Africa’s first democratically elected president after the fall of apartheid, in the Algerian city of Constantine.

      “Don’t forget the last colony of Africa, Western Sahara,” he added.

      The desert territory boasts rich Atlantic fisheries, phosphate resources and a land route to markets in West Africa.

      The Moroccan football federation said the speech “flouted the rules governing the organisation of football events under the auspices of the Confederation of African Football (CAF)”.

      The Moroccan federation also decried “racist” anti-Moroccan remarks at the opening ceremony, as videos circulated on social media appearing to show Algeria supporters chanting derogatory slogans against Moroccans.

      The federation said it had written to the CAF to ask it to uphold “all its responsibilities in the face of these flagrant transgressions that have no relation to the principles and values” of football.

      The United States in 2020 recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in a quid pro quo for re-establishing ties with Israel, to the chagrin of Algiers – which for decades has seen itself as North Africa’s main champion of the Palestinian cause.

      “We stand together to fight for the liberation of Palestine,” Mandla Mandela also said in his speech.

      On Thursday, Morocco said it was pulling out of the tournament after Algeria refused to authorise a direct flight from Rabat.

      On Friday, the Moroccan under-23 team to the CHAN tournament arrived at Rabat airport as last-minute negotiations over travel to the tournament took place. However, the Moroccan football federation said the team did not travel as the flight to Constantine remained unauthorised.

      Algeria’s airspace has been closed to Moroccan flights since Algiers broke off diplomatic ties with Rabat in August 2021 over what it called “hostile actions”.

      CHAN organisers said the team could have taken an indirect flight.

      Morocco made history in December by becoming the first African or Arab team ever to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup. Morocco’s Atlas Lions’ under-23 team won the last two CHAN tournaments.

      Source: Aljazeera.com
    • CHAN 2022: Morocco pull out of tournament

      CHAN 2022: Morocco pull out of tournament

      African Nations for Championships (CHAN) defending champions, Morocco, have pulled out of the tournament.

      Their withdrawal comes only a day to kickoff of the biennial tournament which will be hosted in Algeria.

      Ironically, their decision to withdraw from the tournament comes on the back of a stand-off with the host country over travel arrangements.

      Despite the cancellation of direct flights between the two countries over political tensions, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) were insistent of a direct flight from Rabat to Constantine.

      Morocco’s withdrawal means CAF is now without its defending champions for one of its flagship competitions.

      Equally, it now leaves the 2022 edition of the tournament solely reserved for ‘local’ players, with three groups of only three competitors.

      Groups D and E originally had Angola, Mali and Mauritania and Cameroon, Congo, Niger respectively. However, Ghana, Madagascar and Sudan in Group C, now join the list.

    • Covid-19: Morocco forbids planes from China

      Covid-19: Morocco forbids planes from China

      In an effort to prevent a potential fresh wave of coronavirus infections, Morocco said on Saturday that is imposing a travel ban on people from China.

      A foreign affairs ministry statement said the restrictions would be extended to all people arriving from China regardless of their nationality.

      The ban will come into force “from 3 January and until further notice”, the statement added.

      China ended its strict Covid-19 restrictions in December, leading to a spike in cases. With some of the best vaccination rates in the world, Beijing says most of the cases after the reopening have been mild.

      Chinese authorities also announced that the their borders would reopen for inbound and outbound travel starting January 8th, with travelers needing only to present negative PCR tests.

      France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, like the United States and South Korea, have also announced they would impose a Covid test on travellers coming from China.

      Source: African News

    • After World Cup run, Morocco shoots at diplomatic gains

      Morocco is hoping its unprecedented World Cup exploits can help it win friends and influence people, especially among an Arab public opposed to its 2020 rapprochement with Israel.

      Support for the Atlas Lions surged as they battled their way to the semifinal of the football World Cup in Qatar – the first Arab or African team ever to get so far.

      Their popularity on the Arab street was helped by players and supporters brandishing Palestinian flags following Moroccan victories, to be seen by millions of live TV viewers worldwide.

      That in turn was a diplomatic coup for Morocco against arch-rival and neighbour Algeria, which for decades had seen itself as North Africa’s main champion of the Palestinian cause.

      Just two years ago, Rabat sparked criticism across the Arab world for re-establishing ties with Israel.

      But international relations expert Tajeddine Houssaini said the agreement, part of a string of US-mediated normalisation deals, “doesn’t mean that Morocco has turned its back on the Palestinian cause”.

      “The national team and the supporters only confirmed that in Qatar,” he said, noting that Palestinians had even made up chants glorifying the Moroccan team.

       

      FOOTBALL DIPLOMACY

      Morocco’s diplomatic gains go well beyond the Palestinian cause and the Arab world.

      “Morocco’s extraordinary run in the World Cup of course burnished the image of the country, which has been using soft power for years to make its mark on the international stage,” said sports politics expert Moncef El Yazghi.

      The kingdom already had a track record of using “football diplomacy” to boost its ties with African countries, signing at least 30 cooperation deals with other federations, he added.

      Morocco’s winning streak gathered excited fans from South Africa to Tunisia, where supporters ignored a simmering diplomatic spat with Rabat over the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

      Even in rival Algeria, where the issue is even more hotly contested, the public took the Atlas Lions to heart – though official media outlets kept quiet about the team’s achievements.

      The squad’s unexpected success has “grabbed people’s attention”, French historian Pierre Vermeren said.

      “This has given Morocco a major symbolic victory over Algeria – but also symbolic, sporting and political revenge against its neighbours,” he said, citing wins over nearby Portugal as well as Spain.

      Morocco has been dreaming for decades of playing with the big teams, “and now it’s become a reality”, he added.

      TOURISM TO BENEFIT?

      Morocco will also be hoping to convert its raised profile into economic gains, especially for tourism.

      The sector is one of the country’s top employers, but it was battered by the Covid-19 pandemic and the global economic downturn exacerbated by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

      The kingdom has yet to see a return to the 13 million visitors it welcomed in 2019.

      Lahcen Zelmat, head of the FNIH national hotels federation, said Morocco had an “excellent opportunity”.

      The team’s successes “have given us great visibility”, he said, noting Morocco was “familiar for Western Europeans but not necessarily among Asian or Latin American tourists”.

      “Today it’s known all around the world, but we will need to work hard to make the most of this unexpected publicity.”

      While footballing victories temporarily distracted many Moroccans from their economic woes, the party for the Atlas Lions – who returned home on Tuesday – will soon be over.

      Whether the country’s World Cup adventure will have a lasting effect on the country’s economy remains to be seen.

      In recent days, Morocco’s image has somewhat been tarnished as Belgian police investigate allegations the kingdom and Qatar bought influence in the European Parliament.

      World Cup Qatar host has denied any wrongdoing, while Morocco has offered no official response.

       

    • King Mohammed VI awards Morocco players with Wissams at Royal Reception after World Cup heroics

      In honor of their accomplishments in the Qatar World Cup, King Mohammed VI welcomed the Moroccan national football team to the Royal Palace in Rabat on Tuesday.

      The monarch, who was accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and Prince Moulay Rachid, presented Royal Wissam (medals) to the national team’s players as well as to head coach Walid Regragui in appreciation of his work in preparing and successfully guiding the Atlas Lions throughout the international competition.

      The King decorated both the President of the Moroccan Federation of Football Faouzi Lekjaa and Walid Regragui with a second-class Order of the Throne Wissam (Commander).

       

      In addition, the monarch decorated the players including Ghanem Saiss, Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Sofyan Amrabat, and Nayef Aguerd with third-class Order of the Throne Wissams (Officer).

      The players also include Hakim Ziyech, Azzedine Ounahi, Abderrazak Hamdallah, Anas Zaroury, Abdelhamid Sabiri, Mounir El Kajoui, Ilias Chair, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Selim Amallah, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Sofiane Boufal.

      Also decorated with the same Wissam were Jawad El Yamiq, Youssef En-Nesyri, Achraf Dari, Walid Cheddira, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Bilal El Khannous, Badr Banoun, Yahya Attiyat-Allah, and Yahya Jabrane.

      King Mohammed VI, Moulay El Hassan, and Moulay Rachid then posed with the national team and their mothers for a souvenir picture. Mothers of the Moroccan players were also present at the royal reception as the King insisted on including them in the event.

      The players and technical staff also presented gifts and souvenirs to the King, as thanks for his support during their run at the global tournament.

      The Atlas Lions arrived at the Rabat-Sale international airport earlier today, where they were met with a huge crowd of eager fans lined up across the streets, welcoming the Moroccan squad following their fairytale World Cup run.

      Armed with Morocco’s flags, the national team and their head coach Walid Regragui toured across the cities of Sale and Rabat in an open bus as fans from all walks of life cheered for them.

      The royal family has been an outspoken supporter of the Atlas Lions throughout the World Cup, including King Mohammed VI who joined street celebrations after Morocco’s shock win against Spain in the round of 16.

      The national team has achieved historic milestones at the global tournament in Qatar, causing euphoria across the country, Africa, and the Arab World. Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup’s semi-finals.

      In addition, the North African team emerged as the tournament’s underdogs and defied all odds, after predictions and statistics suggested that the team would not make it past the group stage.

      However, the Atlas Lions achieved the unexpected as they defeated and sent home some of the tournament favourites, including Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. Support for the Atlas Lions extended far past Morocco or Africa, with all neutrals rallying behind the team in the competition’s advanced stages.

    • World Cup 2022: About 400 people arrested in France and Belgium after Les Bleus win over Morocco

      Following Morocco‘s victory over Les Blues in the   semifinal, about 400 people from France and Belgium were detained.

      266 people, including 167 in Paris, the capital of France, had been detained following the violence, according to a spokeswoman for the French police.

      Paris prosecutors revealed that 40 people from the right-wing spectrum were arrested, some of them carrying stabbing weapons.

      According to reports, the defendants planned to confront the Moroccan fans, as they were aiming to go to the famous Champs-Elysées, where the French victory celebrations took place.

      Meanwhile, the Belgian news agency “Belga” reported earlier in the day that nearly 100 people were arrested in the Belgian capital, Brussels, following clashes after the match.

       

      Belga said, citing police, that the detained fans face charges of disturbing public order, damaging two police cars and possession of prohibited fireworks.

      The Atlas Lions, who became the first African country to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup were unable to make another history after suffering a 2-0 defeat against the European country.

      Goals at either side of the half from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani ensured France made it back-to-back finals at the global stage.

      Morocco will face Croatia in the third and fourth place playoff on Saturday. They will become the first country from Africa to finish third if they beat Croatia.

      Meanwhile, France will be hoping to defend their title against the Albeceleste of Argentina on Sunday at the iconic Lusail stadium.

    • Morocco to host 2023 FIFA World Cup

      FIFA awarded Morocco on Friday the hosting rights for the upcoming Club World Cup, which will take place in February and grow to 32 teams in 2025.

      From February 1 through 11, the usual seven-team competition will feature Real Madrid, the European champion, Flamengo, the South American champion, and Seattle Sounders, the first American team to win the CONCACAF Champions League.

      After Morocco’s inspiring run to the World Cup semifinals in Qatar, the country will now stage the next global soccer event in six weeks’ time, FIFA’s ruling council decided.

      It will be one of the last seven-team editions for continental champions with an expanded, month-long tournament planned to start in 2025.

      FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the intended change was “making it really like a World Cup.”

      In Morocco, Casablanca should stage games with the city set to provide two teams in the 10-day competition, which features continental champions from each of the six confederations in world soccer.

      Wydad won Africa’s Champions League last season and also the Moroccan league. The place FIFA reserves for the host nation’s domestic champion should revert to league runner-up Raja. Both teams are based in Casablanca, where the 67,000-seat Stade Mohammed V is the likely venue for some of the eight Club World Cup games.

      Morocco also hosted Club World Cups in 2013 and 2014, which were won by Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, respectively

      Only European and South American teams have won the Club World Cup since it was revived in the current format in 2005.

      FIFA has long wanted to launch an expanded version with 24 or 32 teams in a tournament played in June.

      A planned inaugural edition in 2021 in China was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, though no tournament format had been agreed nor broadcasters or sponsors signed.

      A 2025 launch is now planned, Infantino said, promising talks with soccer stakeholders after the ruling council approved the principle Friday.

      It could be hosted in the United States and serve as a test event for the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

    • World Cup 2022: Morocco’s journey is a miracle by all standard – Didier Drogba

      Didier Drogba, a former international for the Ivory Coast, says he is happy to be an African in light of Morocco‘s amazing World Cup performance in Qatar in 2022.

      After defeating Portugal 1-0 in the quarterfinals, The Atlas Lios became the first African team to advance to the semifinals of the international championship.

      However, their run ended with a 2-0 defeat to the holders France on Wednesday.

      “The Moroccan national team’s career is a miracle by all standards. I am proud as an African of the Atlas Lions,” the former Chelsea striker said.

       

      Prior to Morocco’s historic campaign, only Cameroon (in 1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) had ever progressed to the World Cup quarter-finals for Africa.

      Morocco will face Croatia in Saturday’s third-placed playoff at the Khalifa International Stadium.

      The Atlas Lions lost 2-0 to holders France while Zlatko Dalic’s side were well beaten by Argentina in their semi-final clash on Tuesday.

      The two countries have already met at the tournament, playing out a goalless draw in their Group F opener.

    • World Cup 2022: We’ll attempt to secure third place – Morocco coach Regragui

      Walid Regragui, the coach of Morocco, has set his eyes on defeating Croatia in the third-place playoff game on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium.

      The Atlas Lions fell to the defending champions France 2-0, and Zlatko Dalic’s team was soundly defeated by Argentina in their semifinal matchup on Tuesday.

      The two countries have already met at the tournament, playing out a goalless draw in their Group F opener.

      “It will be difficult on a mental level. I will give opportunities to those who did not play and we will try to clinch third place,” Regragui, born in France to Moroccan parents, said.

      “The important thing is that we presented a good look to our team and that football in Morocco is not far from the top level.”

      Morocco made history becoming the first African side to reach the semifinals of a FIFA World Cup, following their 1-0 win over Portugal at the quarter finals.

      Prior to their historic campaign, only Cameroon (in 1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) had ever progressed to the World Cup quarter-finals for Africa.

    • Boy run over and killed after France won the World Cup

      In Montpellier, a southern French city, a 14-year-old boy was run over and killed shortly after France defeated Morocco in the World Cup semi-final.

      After the match, according to the authorities, he was hit by a car and later died in the hospital.

      Images shared on social media showed a car covered in a French tricolour, which was later seized by onlookers.

      The driver then accelerated into two teenagers, seemingly in a panic.

      The 14-year-old was struck and suffered a cardiac arrest as the driver turned around and sped away.

      “Immense sadness that a sporting event should end in total tragedy,” said local MP Nathalie Oziol, who expressed her sympathy with the boy’s family.

      The local prefect in the southern Hérault area said the car was later found abandoned not far from the scene of the accident, and police have begun searching for the driver.

      The incident happened in Montpellier’s north-western district of La Paillade, around half an hour after the final whistle in Qatar, where France beat Morocco 2-0.

      Tensions between France and Morocco supporters briefly spilled over in the centre of the city as flares were lit and police responded with tear gas. France has a large Moroccan community of some 1.5 million people.

      Celebrations in cities across France were largely peaceful, although police used tear gas to halt trouble involving far-right youths in the centre of Lyon.

      Ten thousand police were deployed across the country and a reported 167 arrests were reported nationally.

       

       

    • Morocco World Cup run inspires history-maker Laklalech

      Morocco’s Ines Laklalech has become the first golfer from North Africa to qualify for the LPGA tour, having been inspired by the coach behind her country’s World Cup run in Qatar.

      Laklalech, 25, earned a spot on the premier tour in women’s golf despite shooting her worst round on the final day of the qualifying event in the United States.

      The Casablanca resident fired a one-over par 73 in the final round at Highland Oaks in Dothan, Alabama on Sunday.

      Yet she finished on 19 under par at the end of the eight-round tournament and shared 12th place – good enough to claim a much sought-after spot on next season’s tour.

      “I’m a big fan of the Moroccan national team so I’m super, super happy,” Laklalech said. “It definitely gave me an extra boost on the course.”

      The Atlas Lions have become the first African side to reach the semi-finals of football’s World Cup, and Laklalech has been using the positive attitude of Morocco coach Walid Regragui, when speaking about his squad, while out on the course.

      “I’ve been watching very closely what the national coach is saying about the team because it’s history,” she said.

      “His words really gave me confidence that everything is possible, because that’s their mindset right now. I think it’s all connected and related because I’ve been watching videos of the press conferences every single day.”

      On Saturday, Laklalech took a big step towards securing her tour card when she made four birdies in the last four holes and posted her best round of the event, a six-under par 66, just as the country’s footballers were upsetting Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals.

      Success on the world stage may be a new experience for Morocco’s men’s football team, but Laklalech is no stranger to making history.

      In September, she won the Lacoste Ladies Open de France on the Ladies European Tour (LET) to become that tour’s first Moroccan, Arab and North African winner.

      With four other top-10 finishes on the LET this season, her success in qualifying for the most high-profile tour in women’s golf is the latest chapter in a stellar year for sport in North Africa.

      In July, Morocco reached the final of football’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, where they lost 2-1 to South Africa, and Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali won steeplechase gold at the World Athletics Championships in the United States.

      Meanwhile, Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur became the first North African to reach the singles final of a Grand Slam tournament at Wimbledon in July – before impressively repeating the feat a few months later at the US Open.

      The 28-year-old finished as runner-up on both occasions, but ended the season with the WTA’s Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award, voted for by her peers and announced on Sunday, for “demonstrating conduct befitting of a professional sports figure and observing the rules of fair play”.

      Source: BBC

    • World Cup 2022: The matchup between Hakimi and Mbappe will be fantastic- Morocco coach Regragui

      The 2022 World Cup semifinal between the Atlas Lions of Morocco and the defending champions of France would feature a tremendous duel between Achraf Hakim and Kylian Mbappe, according to Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui.

      The game is scheduled to take place at Al Bayt Stadium at 19:00 GMT.

      Mbappe, on the left of France’s attack will go up against his Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back.

      “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian.”

      “Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said.

      Morocco have kept four clean sheets in five matches, only denied 100 per cent record by an own goal conceded against Canada in the group stage.

      A win over France will see Morocco become the first-ever African country to reach the final of the World Cup.

    • World Cup 2022: Having the whole of African behind us is historic – Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana

      Her Excellency Imane Quaadil, the Moroccan ambassador to Ghana, remarked that the support of other African nations made Morocco’s strong performance in the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar all the more noteworthy.

      Following a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the quarterfinals, the Atlas Lions of Morocco became the first African side to go to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup.

      Interviewed on the Happy Sports with Ohene Brenya-Bampoe on Happy98.9 FM, Her Excellency Imane Quaadil reiterated that Morocco’s historic feat comes as a proud moment not only for the country but the rest of the African continent and major parts of the world.

      “I was amazed at how historic this victory was for us in Morocco not just because we became the first African country to qualify for the semis but also huge for our brothers in Africa and the Arab world. We are Africans of course and Arabs and this is the beauty of it and we get to celebrate the victory with so many people around the world. I realized even people from Latin America were with us and cheered with us in through the game,” she shared.

       

      She however confessed that despite the boisterous support, the team is also under pressure to deliver in the subsequent game of the competition.

      “Of course, this also puts a lot of pressure on the team because we have to deliver not only for the Moroccan people but also for Africans and for the Arab world and even Latin America.”

      She continued, “We all saw the joy of the Emery of Qatar cheering Morocco as we won so it was a great joy to see. He was there all the way and also cheering for us and we’re really proud of that. We have also seen on social media so many Presidents of other African countries congratulating His Majesty and all the Moroccan people for this victory and we are very proud of that. There were scenes in the streets of Ghana, Senegal, Niger, Cote D’Ivoire, and everywhere in the world. It’s huge for us.”

      Morocco is set to face France in the semi-finals of the competition on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, as they remain confident of lifting the trophy for the first time in history.

    • World Cup 2022: Deschamps is certain that France will defeat Morocco in the semifinals

      Head coach of France Didier Deschamps, is very certain that his team will defeat Morocco in the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar, but he thinks it will come down to a few small things.

      The game is scheduled to take place at Al Bayt Stadium at 19:00 GMT.

      Les Bleus sent England home via a 2-1 scoreline to keep their hopes of back-to-back titles alive, and will face Argentina in the final if they secure a favourable result.

       

      “It always comes down to a few details at this level,” said France coach Didier Deschamps.

      “Quality is not enough, but in this squad there is also mental strength, and a little experience.”

      Didier Deschamps has won 13 of his 17 World Cup games in charge but will come up against a Moroccan team that has kept four clean sheets in five matches, only denied 100 per cent record by an own goal conceded against Canada in the group stage.

      A win over France will see Morocco become the first-ever African country to reach the final of the World Cup.

    • World Cup 2022: Nayef Akrad and Naseer Mazraoui ready to play against France

      The Moroccan daily Al-Mukhtab said that the duo, Nayef Akrad, and Naseer Mazraoui, are ready to play for Morocco against France.

      Mazraoui and Akrad were absent from the Atlas Lions’ 1-0 quarter-final victory over Portugal.

      While captain Romain Saiss will be unable to return due to a thigh injury, he has missed the Moroccan national team’s past two matches against Spain and Portugal.

       

      The Moroccan national team defeated the Spanish national team 1-0.

      The encounter is the sixth in history between the two sides, and the first formally following five friendly matches.

      The French squad won three games and drew two others.

      The game will be held on Wednesday, December 14th. The game will take place at Al Bayt Stadium.

    • Tunisians support Morocco prior to World Cup semifinal

      The relationship between Tunisia and Morocco may be in disarray, but Tunisian Wissam Sultani will inspire the Atlas Lions on Wednesday against France in the World Cup semi-final in Qatar.

      Football unites people when politics split them.

      “On the pitch, politics has nothing to do. Supporting an Arab country, whatever it is, is a duty when it reaches this stage of the competition,” said Sultani, 41, who runs a fruit and vegetable stall in the central market of Tunis.

      After breaking a glass ceiling by becoming the first African or Arab team to reach the last four of a World Cup, Morocco can indeed count on the support of an entire continent whose hopes it carries, by challenging the French title holders for a place in the final.

      Morocco’s run, which eliminated the Spanish giants in the round of 16 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the quarterfinals, has sparked a surge of pride and excitement among neighbors Tunisia and Algeria, transcending political squabbles in the Maghreb, as well as in the rest of Africa.

      In downtown Tunis, a sports store’s sound system blares Moroccan folk songs to attract customers. The red Atlas Lions jersey is the highlight of the display.

      “Stand up”

      The country is however in cold with Morocco, which reproaches him for having aligned with the position of Algeria in the Western Sahara issue, at the heart of extreme tensions between the two neighbors of the Maghreb.

      In Algeria, if the official media have virtually ignored the performance of the Moroccans, sometimes content with the dry result, the private press has welcomed their achievements.

      “It is quite normal that Algerians support Morocco, which is a Muslim country, brother and neighbor,” says Madjid, 58 years.

      For Salim, 45 years old, employee of a public company, “Algerians are with the Moroccan team because it represents a Maghreb country and Amazigh” (Berber).

      In the Maghreb as elsewhere in the Arab world, fans say their support for Morocco is increased tenfold when they see its supporters and players waving the Palestinian flag, showing their attachment to the Palestinian cause even though Rabat normalized relations with Israel in December 2020.

      According to Tunisian sociologist Mohamed Jouili, this support for Morocco, which is becoming more and more apparent as the match against Les Bleus approaches, can also be explained by “France’s colonial past in the Maghreb.

      “The countries of the region can not compete with France economically, militarily or geopolitically, but can stand up to 90 minutes on a soccer field and even beat it,” he added, recalling the victory of Tunisia in the group stage against the men of Didier Deschamps.

      Source: African News

    • Real Madrid interested in Morocco goalkeeper Yassin Bono

      Real Madrid, a La Liga team in Spain, is interested in signing Yassine Bono, a goalkeeper from Morocco, next summer.

      At the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Bono has been a lightning rod for the Atlas Lions.

      Morocco has become the first African country to reach the semifinals of the tournament after crashing out Portugal.

      According to the Spanish Defensa Central, the 13-time European champions are eyeing a move for the goalkeeper.


      Bono will become the first alternative to Thibaut Courtois in the “Santiago Bernabeu”.

      Courtois was absent for quite some time from Real Madrid’s matches this season, due to injury.

      However, Sevilla have named 30 million euros for the shotstopper.

      Bono is expected to keep the post for Morocco when they come up against France in their semifinal game on Wednesday with kick-off scheduled at 19:00GMT.

    • World Cup 2022: Saudi Crown Prince congratulates King of Morocco after reaching historic semi-finals

      In light of the historic accomplishment of the Arab nation, Prince Muhammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, sent congratulations to King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

      The Atlas Lions became the first African country to progress to the last four after beating Portugal 1-0 courtesy of striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who leapt highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball at Al Thumama Stadium.

       

      Following the victory, Regragui also became the first African coach to lead a team to the semi-finals of the tournament.

      Prince Muhammad bin Salman affirmed that what was achieved is an Arab sporting achievement that made everyone happy, and he also wished success to the Moroccan national team.

      King Mohammed VI expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Saudi Crown Prince for his congratulations to his country’s national team, and for his noble feelings towards Morocco and its people.

      Morocco’s clash against holders France will take place at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.

      A win over France will see Morocco become the first-ever African country to reach the final of the World Cup.

    • World Cup 2022: State of emergency has been declared in the camp by Morocco’s coach ahead of match

      In preparation for Morocco’s semi-final match against France at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, head coach Walid Regragui has reportedly declared a state of emergency in the team’s training facility.

      The source added that the coach forced the players to hand over their phones to the team’s management, with the aim of putting them in a state of full concentration.”

      The players only get on their phones for two hours a day in the evening, and then they go to their rooms, in order to go to sleep.

      This is the self-discipline believed to have helped the team to this far at the tournament.

      The Atlas Lions became the first African country to progress to the last four after beating Portugal 1-0 courtesy of striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who leapt highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball at Al Thumama Stadium.

      Following the victory, Regragui also became the first African coach to lead a team to the semi-finals of the tournament.

      Morocco’s clash against holders France will take place at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.

    • World Cup 2022: Morocco can win the World Cup title – Alessandro Del Piero

      Alessandro Del Piero, a former forward for Italy, thinks Morocco has what it takes to win the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

      The Atlas Lions defeated Portugal 1-0 at Al Thumama Stadium thanks to striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who sprang highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball. This victory made the Atlas Lions the first African nation to advance to the round of eight.

      Morocco will face holders France in the semifinals at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.

       

      “Morocco wrote history. They have presented a wonderful tournament so far. They have a good coach and many distinguished player.

      “By reaching this role, they are a team that is, of course, a candidate to win the World Cup title,” Del Piero said.

      Morocco have kept four clean sheets in five matches, only denied 100 per cent record by an own goal conceded against Canada in the group stage.

      A win over France will see Morocco become the first-ever African country to reach the final of the World Cup.

    • World Cup 2022: France’s Tchouameni and Upamecano miss training prior to the match against Morocco

      Dayot Upamecano and Aurelien Tchouameni of France missed Wednesday’s World Cup 2022 semifinal against Morocco because they were both absent from practice.

      Throughout the campaign thus far, Didier Deschamps has utilized Tchouameni and Upamecano frequently, with the former starting all five games for the defending champions.

      The 22-year-old scored the opening goal against England in Saturday’s quarter-final victory, where Upamecano made his fourth start of the World Cup as Raphael Varane’s regular partner.

      According to L’Equipe, both men were unable to take part in training on Monday, with Tchouameni suffering a knock to the calf in the quarter-final success over England, while Upamecano is understood to be dealing with a sore throat.

      Kylian Mbappe, Varane, Theo Hernandez and Ousmane Dembele also did not partake in full training with the squad, but the quartet are simply believed to have been rested after Saturday’s victory.

      Morocco’s clash against holders France will take place at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.

    • World Cup 2022: Royal Air Maroc plans 30 flights for Moroccan fans ahead of semis game against France

      Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc will operate 30 special flights to carry soccer fans from Casablanca to Doha for the country’s Wednesday World Cup semifinal game against France, the airline said on Monday.

      The flights would depart on Tuesday and Wednesday, it said.

       

      To the delight of Moroccans and not just soccer fans, the country has become the first in Africa ever to qualify for the World Cup semifinals.

      Passengers on the promotionally priced round trips will add to the thousands of Moroccans who are already attending the soccer tournament in Doha.

    • Ronaldo is ‘fine’ after Portugal World Cup exit, Pepe says

      Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s emotional outburst following Portugal’s shocking World Cup quarterfinal loss to Morocco on Saturday, Pepe says his colleague is “fine.”

      After Ronaldo’s irate response to being substituted against South Korea in the final group game, Fernando Santos, the head coach, decided to leave him out of the starting lineup for the second straight game.

      After a towering header from Youssef En-Nesyri gave Morocco the lead, Portugal was eliminated from the tournament despite Ronaldo’s introduction shortly after the break.

      Ronaldo experienced a difficult reaction to the defeat, crying as he left the field. On Sunday, he posted on social media that he had given up on Portugal’s “most ambitious dream” of winning the World Cup.

      Although Ronaldo postponed making a decision regarding his future with the national team, Pepe believes the striker deserves recognition for his accomplishments while wearing the Portugal jersey.

      “Ronaldo is fine,” Pepe told reporters after arriving back in Lisbon. “He’s our Portuguese flag. He reaches all parts of the world.

      “He gave us his contribution when he was called. We have to thank him and all his team-mates who did their best to be available for the coach.”

      Despite Portugal head coach Fernando Santos’ contract running until 2024, it is rumoured he may step down after this World Cup disappointment.

      Asked about Santos’ future, Pepe explained: “I’m a player, I don’t have to talk about it. I’m not going to go down that path.

      “Unfortunately, we didn’t achieve the goal we wanted. We tried to give everything to honour our country.

      “It’s football. There are these things. We have to learn from what happened so that the future is better for us.”

      Portugal’s next match is against Liechtenstein in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier on March 23.

    • World Cup 2022: Morocco is an example to emulate – CAF’s Mosengo-Omba

      African nations are being asked by CAF General Secretary Mosengo-Omba to take notes from Morocco’s World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022.

      The Atlast Lions overcame Portugal to advance as the first nation from Africa to the semifinals of the international competition. At Al Thumama Stadium, striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the game-winning goal in the first half by leaping highest and outjumping goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball.

      Almost uniquely in Africa, the country’s football federation is prepared to invest huge sums in the national teams, with the $20m (£16.29m) devoted to women’s football over a four-year period a clear example of its aims.

      “Morocco is an example to follow,” Mosengo-Omba told BBC Sport Africa.

      “The government and the federation work hand-in-hand on football development of infrastructures and training programs.

      “Besides, and in addition, CAF and its member associations also need to continue progressing on good governance practices to implement good intentions.”

      Morocco will face holders France in the semifinals at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.

    • Fernandes says Morocco deserve semi-final spot

      Youssef En-Nesyri headed home the game’s only goal as Morocco caused another upset at Al Thumama Stadium, becoming the first African side to reach the final four in tournament history.

      The defeat provoked a furious reaction from some Portugal players, with Pepe describing the appointment of Argentinian referee Facundo Tello as “unacceptable” after he opted against awarding a penalty when Fernandes went down under a challenge from Achraf Hakimi.

      The playmaker echoed Pepe’s thoughts in the immediate aftermath of the loss, saying the officials had “tilted the field” against Fernando Santos’ men.

      However, the Manchester United man struck a different tone when he took to social media on Sunday, praising Morocco’s display and outlining his pride in Portugal’s efforts.

       

      “It’s difficult to express in a few words everything we felt yesterday after the game ended,” he wrote on Twitter. “Our dream fell apart when we did everything to make it end differently.

      “It’s sad and painful because representing our team means much more than just playing football.

      “Despite the elimination, I am very proud to be Portuguese and even more proud of all those who represented our country with me in this World Cup.

      “I would also like to congratulate the Moroccan team for the great game and for deservedly qualifying for the semi-finals of the World Cup.”

      Portugal’s defeat to Walid Regragui’s men was their first at the quarter-final stage of a World Cup, with the Selecao having progressed from their two previous last-eight ties at the tournament.

    • World Cup 2022: ‘A night I’m going to tell my children and grandchildren about’

      At the Al Thumama stadium, there was an audible commotion of joy and shock, tears, hugs, and smiles.

      Although Moroccan supporters had dreamed of this occasion, few believed it would truly transpire.

      As the first Arab and African team to advance to the World Cup semifinals, their team has achieved history.

      They defeated Portugal, again another favorite.

      A significant occasion for the continent and the area.

      The tension was palpable on the pitch and in the stands. Morocco’s fans chanted seer or “go ahead” in Arabic, and let out a massive cheer as their team scored.

      “This is a night that I’m going to tell my children and grandchildren about,” Soufiane Megrini told me.

      “Morocco made us proud. We’re proud of our team and our coach.”

      Soufiane Megrini
      Image caption, Soufiane Megrini said he was proud of his team

      Soufiane told me how touched he felt at the massive Arab support for his team.

      He said despite finding the Moroccan dialect difficult, some spectators from other Arab countries had wanted to take part in the chants, asking how to say the words.

      “They were standing next to us… they were singing Moroccan songs,” he said.

      The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.View original tweet on Twitter

      Flags tell an important part of the Moroccan World Cup story. As I write this, the skyscraper outside my window is radiating red with a green star in the middle. But there were others alongside Morocco’s red and green: Fans carried Saudi Arabian, Iraqi, Egyptian, Palestinian, Qatari and Jordanian flags.

      Thousands of fans have travelled from across the Arab world to be here in Doha. Many have told us they’ve changed their tickets every time Morocco won. Some may have to change them again to witness another historic match for their team.

      Zineb Aklikm and her husband Aziz Benyahya travelled to Doha from Morocco the day before the game. They left their two-month-old baby back home.

      “As a mother, I feel guilty,” Zineb said, “but I’ll tell him about tonight.

      “I don’t think we actually realise what just happened. We were witnessing history.”

      Mohammed Rizki
      Image caption, Mohammed Rizki said Morocco was here to win, not just to take part

      Mohammed Rizki was beaming, the fringes of his traditional Moroccan hat moving as he spoke animatedly.

      “I can’t really describe it,” he said.

      “It’s a mix of feelings. We’re so happy about the win and excited for what’s coming.”

      This is a mammoth sporting moment for Morocco. It’s the best performance in this team’s history, but it goes well beyond football. This is a much-needed moment of collective joy and pride for a whole region and a continent.

      More crucially, this is a moment that has shifted the way Arab and African teams are viewed not just in the eyes of European and South American squads, but in the eyes of their own crowds.

      One of the most shared videos after the game, apart from Morocco’s team celebrating, is the one of Cristiano Ronaldo crying – as Portugal exited the tournament.

      One spectator told me that this is a moment of “confidence” – to stand head to head with the giants of this game and be real contenders and a formidable force.

      “What we want now is the cup,” Mohammed Rizki said.

      He added: “We’re not here just to be in the competition. We’re here to win.”

    • Qatar 2022: Morocco beat Portugal to become first African side at semi-final

      Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final and ended the hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

      Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the first half, leaping highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball and heading in to spark pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium.

      The north African side’s supporters populated most of the venue and joyously celebrated their breakthrough moment on the global stage.

      Ronaldo came off the bench in the 50th minute to equal the men’s all-time appearance record of 196 in international matches, but he could not drag his side back into the contest.

      Morocco, who will face England or France in the last four, were happy to play on the counter and grabbed the opener just before the break when En-Nesyri headed in from Yahya Attiyat-Allah’s cross.

      Portugal skipper Bruno Fernandes came agonisingly close to levelling just minutes later but a brilliant individual effort struck the crossbar.

      Decimated by injuries, Morocco sat back for the majority of the second half and Yassine Bounou brilliantly tipped over Joao Felix’s drive – the closest they came to an equaliser.

      Morocco striker Walid Cheddira was sent off for a second yellow card in eight minutes of additional time but Portugal could not find the equaliser as their last-four hopes were dashed.

      Magnificent Moroccans make history

      Three African sides had previously reached this stage of the World Cup but none had progressed any further. Until now.

      The marvellous Moroccan players and fans rejoiced as En-Nesyri’s header on 42 minutes proved to be the pivotal moment.

      Fans whistled and jeered every pass the Portuguese players made and then the rowdiest section behind the goal seemed to suck the ball into the net.

      Walid Regragui’s side were missing West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd, Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui and lost captain Romain Saiss to injury early in the second period.

      But they defended resolutely and frustrated Portugal to keep their seventh clean sheet in eight games under their boss and have conceded just once in this tournament.

      Morocco are a tough proposition and buoyed on by a partisan crowd in Doha, they will present a difficult challenge to whoever they face in the last four on Wednesday.

      Goalkeeper Bounou, earning his 50th cap, pushed away a header from Felix early on and a deflected strike flew narrowly over.

      Morocco had carved out the better opportunities on the break but En-Nesyri sent two free headers off target and Sofiane Boufal’s curler was straight at Costa.

      In his desperation for an equaliser, Fernando Santos sent on Ronaldo early in the second half but the 37-year-old – who equaled Kuwait striker Bader Al-Mutawa’s international caps record – found it difficult to make any impact.

      Having seen rival Lionel Messi reach the semi-finals on Friday, Ronaldo could not do the same with his side on what is likely to be his final World Cup appearance, trudging down the tunnel in tears at full-time as his dream was over.

      Source: myjoyonline 

    • Morocco ‘would be delighted’ if Ronaldo is on Portugal bench – Regragui

      Walid Regragui, the coach of Morocco, hopes to see Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench once more despite the fact that Portugal may have looked better in the round of 16 without him.

      After getting into a heated dispute with Portugal’s head coach during their final World Cup group match against South Korea, Ronaldo was benched by Fernando Santos.

      Portugal defeated Switzerland 6-1 despite the absence of Ronaldo, 37, who was replaced by Goncalo Ramos, who scored an incredible hat-trick.

      When his team faces Morocco in the quarterfinals, Santos will undoubtedly field the same lineup once more, but Regragui would rather not.

      “I don’t know if Ronaldo will start. I hope he won’t,” Regragui said. “As a coach, I know he’s one of the best players in history. I’d be delighted if he didn’t play.

      “But we’re not going to focus on Portugal. They’re hungry, they also want to get into the history books.

      “We’re going to have more supporters in the stadium, and we can do it.”

      Throughout his pre-match news conference on Friday, Regragui outlined his ambition to make history, with Morocco already enjoying their best run at a World Cup.

      Discussing pre-tournament predictions that had Morocco failing in the group stage, he said: “They all thought they knew who was going to win the World Cup. We are here, too.

      “Our players are hungry. We’re not satisfied with what we’ve done so far.”