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Tag: Morocco

  • JUST IN: Morocco clinch historic third CHAN title

    JUST IN: Morocco clinch historic third CHAN title

    The Atlas Lions of Morocco have etched their name deeper into African football history, securing their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Madagascar in the final held at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, on Saturday.

    Madagascar struck first and early after Felicite Mantasoa unleashed a well-struck half-volley in the 9th minute to stun Morocco. However, Moroccan composure soon prevailed.

    Youssef Mehri levelled with a clinical header from Khalid Baba’s cross in the 27th minute. Just before halftime, Oussama Lamlioui put the Atlas Lions ahead with his first of two late-half strikes.

    Madagascar’s coach, Romuald Rakotondraibe, made strategic substitutions at the restart that paid off in the 68th minute as Toky Rakotondraibe equalised to keep Madagascar’s title dream alive.

    But in a moment of pure brilliance, Lamlioui unleashed a long-range strike with just over 10 minutes remaining, sealing the 3-2 victory and Morocco’s third CHAN title.

    Lamlioui’s stellar performance earned him the Puma Top Scorer (Golden Boot) award, with a tournament tally of six goals, including the final brace.

    Morocco now stands alone as the only nation to win three CHAN titles, following earlier victories in 2018 and 2020.

  • Morocco beat title holders Senegal to reach CHAN final

    Morocco beat title holders Senegal to reach CHAN final

    Morocco on Tuesday advanced to the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after defeating Senegal 5-3 on penalties in an encounter that ended 1-1 at extra-time.

    The semi-final match played at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, saw Morocco book a final clash with Madagascar, who earlier beat Sudan in Dar es Salaam.

    Senegal took the lead in the 16th minute when Joseph Layousse headed in from a Libasse Guèye corner, capping a dominant start by the defending champions.

    Morocco equalised seven minutes later when Sabir Bougrine fired home a powerful right-footed strike from distance, bringing the score to 1-1 and shifting momentum in the Atlas Lions’ favour.

    Layousse missed a second header, while Morocco’s Anas Bach was denied by goalkeeper Marc Diouf, as the game remained level.

    The second half was tightly contested, as Morocco controlled possession, but Senegal remained dangerous on set pieces, threatening with their aerial strength and pace.

    Goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar made crucial saves for Morocco, while Diouf produced fine stops to deny Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui as tension built.

    Both teams made substitutions to inject energy, as Morocco brought on Ayoub Khairi and Salaheddine Errahouli, while Senegal introduced Insa Boye and Ababacar Sarr.

    Morocco’s Lamlaoui had a header saved in the 119th minute, moments after Senegal’s Bonaventure Fonseca fired narrowly over from close range.

    With no goals in extra-time, the match was decided on penalties.

    Morocco scored all five kicks through Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and Mehri.

    Senegal’s captain Seyni Ndiaye missed their opening spot-kick, hitting the crossbar, though Cissé, Ciss, and Ba converted.

    The Atlas Lions triumphed 5-3 in the shootout, earning a third CHAN final appearance in six years and ending Senegal’s hopes of back-to-back titles.

    The match had been billed as a contest between Morocco’s experience and Senegal’s youthful energy, and it delivered drama and quality throughout.

    Morocco’s coach Tarik Sektioui praised his side’s composure, saying they remained focused under pressure and deserved their place in the final.

    “It was a tough match. The players showed composure.

    “We’ve fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win again,” Sektioui said.

    Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo expressed pride in his young squad, noting that in spite of the disappointment, their performance showed great promise for the future.

    “This is a young team. They played with courage. Penalties are cruel, but our future is bright,” Diallo said.

    Morocco will now face Madagascar in Saturday’s final at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi, with continental glory on the line.

    Senegal will contest the third-place playoff against Sudan on Friday in Dar es Salaam, seeking to end their campaign on a high.

    For Morocco, a third CHAN title beckons.

    Senegal’s dream might have ended but the emergence of new generation of players offers reasons for optimism.

  • BREAKING: Nigeria’s Super Falcons win WAFCON 2024

    BREAKING: Nigeria’s Super Falcons win WAFCON 2024

    The Super Falcons of Nigeria have won the 2024 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco, and once again emerged champions of Africa.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated hosts Morocco on Saturday to lift the 2024 WAFCON title. The Nigerian girls dramatically came from two goals down to defeat Morocco.

    Morocco pulled the trigger on Nigeria, scoring first within 12 minutes with a goal by Ghizlane Chibbak. The hosts doubled their lead in the 24th minute of play through Sanaa Mssoudy’s goal.

    However, the Super Falcons changed the tide, following the resumption of play in the second half of the game.

    While Esther Okoronkwo pulled one back for Nigeria in the 64th minute of play with a penalty kick, Folashade Ijamilusi levelled the scores at 71 minutes. Jennifer Echegini scored the winning goal in the 88th minute of play.

    TNG reports Okoronkwo won the player of the match award with her scintillating performance, which she capped off by scoring one goal and providing two assists.

    Chiamaka Nnadozie went on to win the best goalkeeper of the tournament award, while Chibbak won the highest goal scorer award, and Rasheedat Ajibade won the player of the tournament award.

    With the win, the Super Falcons, thus, successfully accomplished Mission X, as Nigeria has now lifted the WAFCON trophy for a record 10th time.

    President Tinubu reacts over Super Falcons’ WAFCON title win

    Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, securing their record 10th continental title.

    President Tinubu said, “The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.

    “With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you”.

  • WAFCON: Super Falcons aim at tenth title today against host country Morocco

    WAFCON: Super Falcons aim at tenth title today against host country Morocco

    When Nigeria line up today against Morocco at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, the Super Falcons will be chasing a record-extending 10th title.

    The Nigerian female team has been further gingered by an Abuja based football administrator, Dr Pat Oramah who promised to pay each player N500,000 per goal scored today.

    For the host nation, it is their second consecutive final and another shot at glory against the powerhouse of African women’s football.

    Nigeria, winners on nine occasions, have dubbed this year’s campaign ‘Mission X,’ targeting their 10th continental crown.

    Against the Atlas Lionesses, who will be buoyed by a home crowd, the West Africans are set to face a side that has not lost a match in the tournament.

  • Morocco set up WAFCON final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons

    Morocco set up WAFCON final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons

    Hosts Morocco defeated Ghana on Tuesday to set up the final clash of the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

    At Rabat’s Stade Olympique, Morocco faced a formidable challenge from Ghana. After going behind to Stella Nyamekye’s 26th-minute header, the host side found parity through Sakina Ouzraoui midway through the second half.

    With no further goals across regular and extra time, the match was decided via penalties. Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er‑Rmichi made a crucial save, and her side triumphed 4–2 in the shootout, booking their spot in the final.

    Earlier, in Casablanca, Nigeria were locked in a high-stakes battle with defending champions South Africa. Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria the advantage just before halftime with a composed penalty. South Africa responded through Linda Motlhalo’s second-half spot-kick.

    As the game seemed destined for extra time, defender Michelle Alozie delivered a stunning stoppage-time winner. Her speculative long-range ball deceived South Africa’s goalkeeper and sealed a dramatic 2–1 victory for the Super Falcons.

    The win ensured that Nigeria will be playing in their 10th WAFCON final on Saturday as they continue their quest to win their 10th title with the mantra “Mission X”, while Morocco aim to claim their first-ever WAFCON title on home soil.

    WAFCON final: Finish strong – Mrs Tinubu charges Super Falcons

    Meanwhile, First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has charged the Super Falcons to finish well in their Mission X by lifting the WAFCON 2024 trophy.

    Mrs Tinubu gave the charge while congratulating the Super Falcons for their 2-1 semi final win over South Africa.

    The First Lady, in a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday in Abuja, described the win as one that has encouraged her and Nigerians to be hopeful that the team would bring the trophy home.

    “I commend you, our incredible Super Falcons for your victory over South Africa in the semi-finals of the WAFCON Championship.

    “You have once again shown the world the strength, courage, and brilliance of Nigerian women.

    “Your passion, discipline, and unity on the field are a shining example to young girls everywhere that nothing good is beyond reach.

    “This win is more than just a ticket to the finals of the Championship, but a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves and stand together.

    “I look forward to you lifting the Cup by the grace of God. May you finish strong,” she said.

  • U-20 AFCON: Nigeria battle Morocco to goalless draw

    U-20 AFCON: Nigeria battle Morocco to goalless draw

    The Flying Eagles of Nigeria were held to a goalless draw by Morocco in their second Group B match in the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

    NAN eports that the tightly contested clash took place on Sunday at the June 30 Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

    Clear-cut chances were few in the cagey affair.

    The Flying Eagles controlled proceedings in the first half but managed only one shot on target.

    Morocco dominated possession in the second half but failed to pose any serious threat to Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

    With the result, Morocco remain at the top of the group on goal difference, having accrued the same number of points as Nigeria (four).

    Tunisia, who earlier defeated Kenya 3-1 in the group’s other fixture, are in third place with three points.

    The Flying Eagles will face Kenya in their final Group B match on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

    The top four teams from the tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled to take place from Sept. 27 to Oct. 19.

  • Paris 2024: Morocco beat Argentina in chaotic opening football match

    Paris 2024: Morocco beat Argentina in chaotic opening football match

    A fan invasion in the opening match of the Olympic football tournament between Argentina and Morocco on Wednesday caused chaos.

    But former champions Argentina were eventually beaten 2-1, following a video assistant referee (VAR) review after play was suspended with the scores tied at 2-2.

    Argentina’s Cristian Medina scored deep in injury time to salvage what looked like a 2-2 draw, but the decision ruling out the goal was delivered about two hours after play was suspended.

    That was when the teams re-emerged on to the pitch to finish the match in an empty stadium.

    The teams played for three minutes and 15 seconds after VAR completed its review and disallowed the goal.

    After order was restored in Saint-Etienne and the teams had left the field following the fan invasion, they discovered that the match had not been completed but suspended by officials.

    The venue manager told Reuters the game had been interrupted, adding that a decision about whether the match would be completed was being discussed.

    The teams re-emerged just before 7 p.m. local time and warmed up a second time so the final minutes could be played.

    The gold medal winners in 2004 and 2008 were not at their best in spite of lining up with recent Copa America winners Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi and Geronimo Rulli.

    Soufiane Rahimi put Morocco ahead after Achraf Hakimi set him up from the right following a superb passing move in the final seconds of the first half.

    Rahimi doubled the advantage and netted his second from the penalty kick spot in the 49th minute before Giuliano Simeone pulled one back for Javier Mascherano’s side in the 68th minute.

    Medina then found the net 16 minutes into stoppage time before fans stormed the pitch and objects were thrown at players as chaos erupted in the eastern French city.

    Spain beat Uzbekistan 2-1 in their opening match of Group C at the Parc de Princes.

    Spain, who struggled to hit their stride in the opening stages of the game, took the lead in the 29th minute against Uzbekistan with a close-range finish from Marc Pubill off Abel Ruiz’s flick.

    Uzbekistan, cheered on by an ecstatic crowd, equalised just before half-time, thanks to Eldor Shomurodov’s penalty kick following a VAR review for a Pau Cubarsi foul.

    “For me, Uzbekistan were no surprise,” Spain coach Santi Denia said.

    “We have achieved our objective, but it’s been a very difficult game and now it is time to improve. That’s my job, I have to transmit better.”

    “I told the team at half-time to improve ball circulation, which was what we were missing. We have to improve that. If we do it we will have more options to achieve victory.”

    Spain wasted a golden chance to restore the lead after the break when Sergio Gomez’s penalty kick effort was saved by Abduvohid Nematov.

    But the Real Sociedad player redeemed himself and found the net in the 62nd minute.

  • Paris 2024: VAR drama, pitch invasion mars Opening match as Morocco beat Argentina

    Paris 2024: VAR drama, pitch invasion mars Opening match as Morocco beat Argentina

    Football at the 2024 Olympics kicked off on Wednesday with a dramatic opening match between Argentina and Morocco, setting the stage for the upcoming games ahead of the official opening ceremony on Friday.

    Despite both teams being under-23 sides, Argentina was considered the favorite, making their initial 2-0 deficit against Morocco quite shocking.

    Morocco’s Soufiane Rahimi scored just before halftime and doubled their lead with a penalty shortly after the break.

     

    Giuliano Simeone managed to reduce Argentina’s deficit in the second half, and Cristian Medina scored what appeared to be a late equalizer during injury time, specifically in the 16th minute of the 15 additional minutes. This equalizer seemed to have secured a point for Argentina.

     

    However, the situation took a chaotic turn when fans began throwing cups, bottles, and even a flare onto the pitch as the referee blew the whistle.

    Earlier disruptions from pitch invaders had already raised security concerns. It was later revealed that the referee had actually suspended the match for safety reasons, not ended it. After the stadium was emptied, the teams returned 90 minutes later to complete the final three minutes of play.

     

    Adding to the drama, VAR intervened as the match resumed. Argentina’s equalizer was overturned due to an offside call in the build-up, a decision confirmed only after the game had resumed. Morocco ultimately maintained their 2-1 lead and secured the win.

     

    Argentinian manager Javier Mascherano expressed his frustration, calling the match “the biggest circus I have ever seen in my life.” He criticized the lengthy review process and the handling of the game suspension, emphasizing the need for his team to focus on their upcoming matches to secure qualification.

     

    The chaotic events were compounded by off-field incidents, including a break-in at Argentina’s property, during which player Thiago Almada had his belongings stolen. Mascherano noted the irony of stringent credential checks failing to prevent these disruptions.

     

    Lionel Messi also commented on the bizarre circumstances with an Instagram story, calling it “insolito,” meaning strange or unusual.

     

    With emotions running high, Argentina will need to channel their frustration into their remaining games to progress in the tournament.

  • AFCON 2025: Tournament not yet postponed – CAF

    AFCON 2025: Tournament not yet postponed – CAF

    The Confederation of African Football, (CAF) has denied reports that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed till 2026

    The 2025 AFCON hosting right has been given to Morocco.

     

    There were  circulated reports about a potential postponement of the competition due to scheduling conflicts with the FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States.

    CAF in a statement denied it, saying  it is yet to decide on AFCON 2025 dates.

    “Reports on AFCON 2025 are untrue.

    The CAF Executive Committee will meet, deliberate and make a decision on the AFCON 2025 dates.

    CAF will thereafter issue official statement on the matter,” reads a statement on CAF’s X platform.

    The delayed 2023 AFCON finals took place early this year in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The Super Eagles finished second after losing 2-1 to the hosts in the final.

  • Friendly: Future Eagles confront Morocco’s U15 boys in Kenitra

    Friendly: Future Eagles confront Morocco’s U15 boys in Kenitra

    Nigeria’s U15 boys, nicknamed Future Eagles, are in Morocco for a two-match tour of that country with the Morocco U15 team in the city of Kenitra.

    Kenitra is two-and-half hours by road from Casablanca, Morocco’s industrial and economic capital.

    Coach Patrick Bassey and assistants Hussein Lawal and Augustine Iyamu are in Morocco with 21 future stars who are eager to take their first steps in international football. The delegation is led by former Nigeria winger and captain Dr. Felix Owolabi, MON.

    The first encounter between the two countries will hold in Kenitra on Friday night starting at 10pm Morocco time (11pm Nigeria time), hours after the Super Eagles and the Black Stars would have ended their potentially-explosive encounter at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

    The tour by the Future Eagles has been arranged by the Nigeria Football Federation in the framework of the Ibrahim Gusau-led administration’s vision of developing football from the grassroots, and actively providing avenues for young talents to fulfil their potentials and realise their dreams.