Morocco secures 7th consecutive African Best Tennis Nation trophy
Morocco has claimed the title of Best Tennis Nation in Africa, awarded by the African Tennis Confederation (CAT), for the seventh year in a row.
This distinction was granted in recognition of the outstanding performances by young Moroccan tennis players in various African championships.
It is based on results from the 2025 African Youth Championships in the under-14, under-16, and under-18 categories, as well as bonus points earned from the CAJ 14&U competitions during the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a letter sent Wednesday by CAT President Jean-Claude Talon to Faïçal Laraïchi, President of the Royal Moroccan Tennis Federation.
The trophy will be officially presented to Morocco during the closing ceremony of the African Youth Team Championship (under-14), which will take place in Cairo from May 5 to 10, 2025, the same source added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
16 hours ago
- Morocco World
Badou Zaki Defends Hakimi's Ballon d'Or Case: ‘He Stands Above the Rest'
Rabat – As football's most prestigious individual award draws closer, the names of usual suspects begin to fill headlines — attacking giants, prolific scorers, flashy midfield maestros. But away from the spotlight reserved for goal tallies and commercial hype, a quieter yet compelling case unfolds. It is the story of Achraf Hakimi, Morocco's Atlas Lion and Paris Saint-Germain's tireless right-back, whose season demands more than polite applause. This story calls for serious Ballon d'Or consideration. To some, suggesting a defender, especially a right-back, for the Ballon d'Or might seem far-fetched. Yet, when stripped of biases and marketing noise, the award's criteria are clear: individual brilliance, collective achievement, and visible influence on the field. Hakimi checks every box. Former Moroccan goalkeeper Badou Zaki, a legend in his own right, sees no exaggeration in calling for Hakimi's inclusion. 'The Ballon d'Or must go to the player who outshines the rest,' Zaki said. 'We talk about team trophies, personal contributions, and the values a player brings to the game. Hakimi belongs in that conversation.' This season, PSG finally broke its Champions League curse. Hakimi played a central role in that success, not as a supporting figure but as one of the team's anchors. He lifted four trophies with the French club, including the elusive Champions League title, a feat many consider the ultimate test of greatness. But team silverware is only part of the picture. On an individual level, Hakimi offered performances that no fullback has matched in years. He scored four goals and provided five assists in the Champions League alone. These numbers would impress even an attacking midfielder. From his position at the back, they astonish. Hakimi also redefined what it means to play as a right-back. He darted up and down the flank, switched roles fluidly, and often dictated the rhythm of matches. It's no longer enough to say he's one of the best in his position. He now stands as a full-fledged footballer. Still, his name rarely surfaces in Ballon d'Or predictions. Instead, the conversation sometimes shifts to rising stars like Lamine Yamal. 'Frankly, I'm surprised,' Zaki said, 'when someone like Lamine Yamal is mentioned as a contender, even though he hasn't done half of what Hakimi achieved, and I say this with great respect for Yamal's talent and potential. But if we're being fair with the criteria, I don't see how he ranks above Hakimi.' 'To me, the real competition should be between Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi. And there's an important detail, Dembélé is in the conversation because he scored eight goals in the Champions League, which is his job as a forward. Meanwhile, Hakimi scored four as a defender, whose primary role is not to find the net,' Zaki added. Recognition for African players has always been limited. Only one African, George Weah, has ever lifted the Ballon d'Or. That was nearly 30 years ago. If the football world takes its own rules seriously, Hakimi has done more than enough to change that. He didn't just have a good season; he led, delivered, and transformed expectations. Tags: Achraf HakimiAtlas LionsBadou ZakiHakimiMorocco football
Ya Biladi
17 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan Polo team triumphs over US in Newport International Series Opener
The Moroccan national polo team achieved a remarkable victory over its American counterpart, winning 14–6 in a match held on June 7, 2025, at the prestigious Newport Polo Club in the United States. This win marks a strong start to the Newport International Polo Series, an international tournament running until September 27, 2025, featuring top global teams including England, Italy, Scotland, and Australia. The opening match was attended by Morocco's Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, who praised the Moroccan team's outstanding performance during a ceremony held in his honor in the state of Rhode Island. Proud to witness Morocco's national polo team secure a resounding 14–6 victory over the U.S. at the opening of the prestigious Newport International Polo Series in #RhodeIsland. A second consecutive win, during which I was honored to highlight how this achievement reflects His… — Youssef Amrani (@youamrani) June 8, 2025 At the end of the match, Ambassador Amrani emphasized the significance of the national team's participation in this international sporting event, highlighting its key role in promoting polo in the Kingdom. He also underscored the importance of sports in fostering mutual understanding and cultural connection between nations. This victory marks Morocco's second consecutive win over the U.S. team, following their recent triumph in the Mohammed VI International Polo Cup three weeks earlier. Morocco's participation in the Newport tournament also celebrates 250 years of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States.
Morocco World
17 hours ago
- Morocco World
Ben Seghir on Napoli's Radar as Monaco Plot Summer Shake-Up
Napoli are lining up a summer swoop for Morocco international Eliesse Ben Seghir, as AS Monaco brace themselves for a busy transfer window. The 20-year-old forward, one of the most promising products of the Principality's academy, is attracting serious attention across Europe. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli's sporting director Giovanni Manna is a huge admirer and sees Ben Seghir as a perfect fit for Antonio Conte's frontline. But there's a catch. Monaco reportedly want around €40–50 million for the player, and Napoli are weighing up their options. The Italian champions have a hefty €200 million transfer budget but are prioritising other names, including Kevin De Bruyne and PSV winger Noa Lang who Marseille is also monitoring. Lang would come at a lower cost, around €25 million. Ben Seghir's numbers are solid. He scored nine and assisted four in 46 appearances this season, despite losing his starting place midway through the campaign. His flair, quick feet and ability to operate in tight spaces make him a tantalising option for clubs who want intelligent attacking movement. City, Liverpool, Bayern and Leverkusen are all keeping tabs. Monaco, meanwhile, are reshuffling. Eric Dier is in. Ansu Fati is expected on loan. A left-back is being chased, with Sergio Reguilon named as a target. A new goalkeeper is also on the list, but it won't be David De Gea, who extended his stay with Fiorentina. Outgoings are expected too. Maghnes Akliouche is being courted, and Paul Pogba, currently without a club, has been offered to Monaco. The club's sporting chief Thiago Scuro insists he wants Ben Seghir to stay, at least another season, but the player's camp remains open. Tensions with manager Adi Hütter haven't helped either. The Austrian benched Ben Seghir for long spells, and their relationship is reportedly strained. Ben Seghir, who is currently in camp with the Moroccan national team to gear up for the next friendly game against Benin next Monday, has been named in the Golden Boy shortlist, alongside fellow Moroccan budding talents Chemsdine Talbi and Ayyoub Bouaddi. Tags: Atlas Lionseliesse ben seghirMoroccoNapoli
