Latest news with #AFCON
Morocco World
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
FIFA President Commends Morocco's World-Class Football Infrastructure
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said today that Morocco's exceptional infrastructure achievements have elevated the country into the 'global football elite.' Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the royal reception presided over by King Mohammed VI for the Throne Day celebrations, Infantino commended the North African country's football vision under royal leadership. 'Morocco's vision, under His Majesty the King's guidance, to promote football excellence at the global level is extraordinary,' Infantino said. The FIFA chief recalled his recent visit to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat and commended Morocco's 'magnificent' organization of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, which took place from July 5-26. 'I want to congratulate Morocco for its brilliant results during this continental competition,' he noted. Infantino pointed out Morocco's upcoming hosting responsibilities, which he said demonstrate the country's growing prominence in international football, particularly as it gears up to host the 2025 AFCON and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup along with Spain and Portugal. Describing Morocco's existing infrastructure as being of 'exceptional quality,' Infantino said this enables the North African country to host prestigious football tournaments. He then commented on FIFA's decision to open its Africa office in Morocco, explaining that the new structure has the 'principal role' in serving both African and global football. The North African country has been investing efforts in football infrastructure, positioning itself as a leading country in Africa. Morocco's infrastructure developments are on track to deliver venues that meet international standards. FIFA's head comments reflect Morocco's successful journey to transform into a major hub for international football. Tags: Gianni InfantinoKing Mohammed VIMorocco's football infrastructure
Zawya
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Parliament demands better publicity for African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament
Parliament has raised concerns over the limited publicity as Uganda readies to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) which kicks off on Saturday, 02 August 2025. Legislators raised the concerns during debate on a statement by the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang on Wednesday, 30 July 2025. Members of Parliament praised the infrastructural progress but voiced frustration over the delayed and underwhelming promotion of the tournament. Speaker Anita Among reminded the House that the successful hosting of CHAN would determine Uganda's readiness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 'How we host CHAN will determine how ready we will be to host AFCON,' she said commending the government for its investment in infrastructure. AUDIO Kayemba Hon. Geofrey Kayemba (Bukomansimbi South) questioned the timing and sufficiency of publicity efforts noting that only days remain before Uganda's first match. 'When was the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) given the Shs1 billion? This would have taken like three months back to do activations... the public needs to own it and to feel it,' he said adding that failure to invest in marketing was akin to hiding, 'a beautiful thing... deep down our beds'. Minister Ogwang clarified that although publicity is primarily a CAF responsibility, the government allocated Shs1 billion to FUFA to supplement these efforts given the short preparation window. 'This is a football event… we found it prudent that we use FUFA to help us as a government… to carry out this civic duty and popularise the event across the country,' he said adding that the campaign had begun in various towns with radio activations and advertisements. AUDIO Ogwang Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality) warned that poor publicity could lead to empty stadiums. 'If we don't publicise these games, the stadium will be empty. And that will not be very good for the country,' he said. Hon. Susan Amero (Amuria District Woman Representative) used the occasion to call for balanced funding across all sports. 'We are treating football like it is the only game. I pray that in the subsequent budgeting, we should consider giving enough money to other sports,' she said. AUDIO Amero The Minister's statement highlighted that Uganda will host 12 matches at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole and that renovations at key training facilities including Kyambogo University, FUFA Kadiba, Mutesa II Stadium and Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) have met CAF standards. Speaker Among also sought clarity on unaccounted funds previously allocated for sports infrastructure. 'There is the money… meant for Mbarara-Kakyeka Stadium. We want an explanation on what happened to that money. I also know that we gave money to Masaka. We also want an explanation on what happened,' she said. Uganda is hosting Group C matches featuring Algeria, Guinea, Niger, South Africa and Uganda, as part of a joint East African PAMOJA bid with Kenya and Tanzania. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Tanzania team profile
Published: Wednesday, 30 July 2025 As co-hosts of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, Tanzania is set to make their third appearance in the tournament. With the pride and passion of a nation behind them, the Taifa Stars will look to leverage home advantage to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their history. Under the guidance of head coach Hemed Morocco, Tanzania will aim to capitalize on the rising profile of their domestic league and recent performances in CAF competitions. Factfile Nickname : Taifa Stars : Taifa Stars Number of Appearances : 3rd : 3rd Titles : None : None FIFA Ranking: 103 (July 2025) How They Qualified Tanzania secured their place in the tournament as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Uganda. This presents a golden opportunity for the Taifa Stars to showcase their footballing development on home soil. Key Players to Watch Clement Mzize : The 21-year-old forward has been in scintillating form this season, scoring six goals in the Tanzanian Premier League. Mzize's pace and clinical finishing make him a key asset. : The 21-year-old forward has been in scintillating form this season, scoring six goals in the Tanzanian Premier League. Mzize's pace and clinical finishing make him a key asset. Feisal Salum: A creative midfielder with an eye for goal, Salum has already demonstrated his class by scoring twice during the AFCON qualifiers. His vision and composure will be vital in midfield. Coach: Hemed 'Morocco' Suleiman With a reputation for tactical discipline and an attacking approach, Hemed Morocco will lead Tanzania as they aim to make a historic impact in the CHAN tournament. Morocco's experience with both the senior and U20 teams brings stability and ambition to the Taifa Stars. Past CHAN Performances Tanzania previously participated in the 2009 and 2020 editions of the tournament but were eliminated at the group stage on both occasions. This year, they aim to rewrite history and achieve a deeper run. What to Expect Buoyed by the emergence of domestic giants Simba SC and Young Africans in CAF interclub competitions, Tanzania is expected to bring a competitive edge to CHAN 2024. With the support of passionate home fans, the Taifa Stars will be a team to watch. Fan Zone Did you know? Tanzania has never advanced past the group stage in their CHAN history. Could 2024 be the year they break the curse? Fans across the nation will hope for a memorable tournament on home soil.
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Airport Authority Appoints New Directors
Rabat – The National Airports Office (ONDA) announced the appointment of two new directors to key roles as part of the airport authority's newly announced vision. ONDA appointed Abdelhalim El Karimi as the Director of Air Navigation, who brings 14 years of experience within ONDA. He headed the Information Systems Department at ONDA prior to this new appointment. His new mission will make air navigation a driver of sovereignty, safety, and innovation. ONDA also appointed Hicham Rahil as director of Airport operations. Rahil holds a PhD in applied mathematics. He received training in air traffic control and has extensive on-the-ground experience as they managed several key hubs within the national network. Rahil will be responsible for orchestrating the transformation of group services in line with international standards. These new appointments reflect the 'desire to place the transformation of Moroccan airports within a human-centered, gradual, and well-managed dynamic. It concluded that ONDA is investing in 'internal talent, recognizing committed career paths,' ONDA stressed. On Monday, ONDA announced its new visual identity as part of the 'Airports 2030' strategy launched in February. The plan seeks to revamp Morocco's infrastructure in preparation for prestigious events like the 2025 AFCON and the FIFA World Cup 2030. According to the latest data from the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts, Morocco's airports recorded a growth of 16.4% by the end of the first quarter of 2025. About 720,645 passengers passed through Moroccan ports by the end of March, representing a 3.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Banyana Banyana make low-key return to SA after WAFCON exit
JOHANNESBURG - The Banyana Banyana squad made a low-key return to the country following their disappointing showing at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. There were no adoring supporters or any of the fanfare normally associated with South African teams returning home from competing on the global stage. Only a handful of friends and family were present to welcome the players home on Monday night and were outnumbered by the media contingent that was at OR Tambo International Airport for the team's arrival. Banyana went to the tournament as the reigning champions but finished in fourth place after a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in the semi-finals and a penalty shootout defeat against Ghana in the bronze medal match. While the players were visibly flat and despondent and made a quick exit from the arrivals terminal, Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, faced questions from journalists about their campaign as well as her future with the national team. Ellis has been the subject of speculation since reports emerged before the tournament started that she had been working without a contract from SAFA for close to two years. There have been reports that Ellis would leave her position after WAFCON as well. She declined to comment on her current situation and what the next step for her would be. "I'm not going to comment. I've been taken out of context on numerous occasions and I think it's best I don't comment on that. Already, all over the media, what people are writing is not true. Certain things are not true. When people write, they must get the facts right, first of all. They write the wrong things. I'm not going to say anything, I'm saying 'No comment' purely because I don't want to be misquoted, because I've been badly misquoted during this tournament," said Ellis. Ellis did seem to indicate, however, that she did have her thoughts on the next tournament, which is the 2026 Women's AFCON, which will also be staged in Morocco. She said the first priority must be the qualifiers against DR Congo in October.
