Latest news with #ASFAR
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco first to arrive in Kenya for TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024
Two-time champions Morocco have become the first team to arrive for the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Atlas Lions landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi at 4:00 am local time on Monday morning, receiving a vibrant East African welcome complete with traditional dancers and music. The North African giants, aiming to become the first country to win the CHAN title three times, are wasting no time in getting acclimatized as they begin their final preparations for the tournament opener. 'We are excited to be here and ready for CHAN. I already love Nairobi; the weather is great, and we are looking forward to a successful tournament,' said defender Marouane Louadni, who plays his club football for AS FAR. Morocco's early arrival signals intent as the two-time winners look to dominate Group A, which includes hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia. They begin their campaign on Sunday against Angola at the Nyayo National Stadium. Continental Pedigree Winners in 2018 on home soil and again in 2021 in Cameroon, Morocco are one of only two nations to have lifted the CHAN trophy twice — the other being DR Congo, whom they will face in the group stage. Their pedigree and depth of talent make them strong favourites in a group stacked with experienced sides. The 28-man Moroccan squad underwent an intensive training camp prior to departure, facing Burkina Faso twice in friendly matches and comfortably beating Chad 6-0 during the most recent FIFA international window. Their build-up underscores a team well-prepared both physically and tactically. Nairobi Braces for Historic Kick-off With less than a week to go before the tournament kicks off, excitement is surging in Nairobi. CAF and the LOC have already rolled out ticketing protocols, and fans across the capital are gearing up to witness one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in Kenya. The TotalEnergies CHAN 2024, which runs from 2–30 August, is exclusively reserved for players who compete in their respective national leagues, offering a platform for homegrown talent to shine on the continental stage. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will host matches across various venues, showcasing East Africa's growing capacity to organise major football tournaments and providing a crucial test run ahead of their co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Group A Arrivals to Continue Following Morocco's early arrival, the rest of Group A's cast is expected to follow shortly. Zambia are expected to arrive in Nairobi on Tuesday, while Angola and DR Congo are scheduled to touch down on Thursday afternoon. As the first team on the ground, Morocco will be hoping to translate their head start into a third title — a feat that would etch them further into CHAN history.
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco return to CHAN with ambition as Sektioui names star-studded squad
Morocco's locally-based national team is back in the hunt for African glory — and they've made their intentions clear as revealing their squad for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). After missing the 2022 edition the Atlas Lions return to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) aiming to reclaim the crown they last won in 2020. Coach Tarik Sektioui, who named his final 28-man squad on Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Complex in Maâmoura, said the side is primed and determined to challenge for a third continental title — a feat that would make Morocco the most successful team in CHAN history. 'We've selected players with the right experience and mentality for a competition like CHAN,' Sektioui told reporters. 'Many of them play regularly in top-tier continental club competitions, and we believe their cohesion and tactical discipline will serve us well.' The team draws heavily from local powerhouses like RS Berkane, Raja Casablanca, Wydad Casablanca, and AS FAR, giving Morocco a deep pool of seasoned professionals. Notably, six players from newly crowned champions Berkane make the list, including standouts like Abdelhak Assal, Ayoub Khairi, and Reda Hajji. اللائحة المستدعاة لمنتخبنا الوطني للمشاركة في كأس أمم إفريقيا للمحليين "شان" 2024 🚨Your squad list is ready for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 | #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 — Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) July 23, 2025 Adding a touch of international pedigree, two senior national team players have also been included — Youssef Belammari (Raja Casablanca), who has earned six caps and was recently involved in Morocco's A-team matches, and goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi (FUS Rabat), who won Olympic bronze and the U-23 AFCON title in 2023. 'We focused our selection on technical ability and team chemistry,' said Sektioui. 'Despite some player departures to Europe, we are confident this squad has what it takes to represent Morocco with pride.' The 2024 TotalEnergies CHAN tournament — reserved exclusively for players active in their national leagues — takes place from 2 to 30 August across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Morocco has been placed in Group A, where they will battle hosts Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and DR Congo. Their campaign begins with a showdown against Angola, followed by games against Kenya, Zambia, and DR Congo — all to be staged in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive group. Morocco famously won back-to-back CHAN titles in 2018 and 2020, becoming the first nation to achieve that feat. With the likes of El Kaabi Youness, Saifeddine Bouhra, and Youssef Mehri in their attacking ranks, the Atlas Lions are well-positioned for a deep run once again. Having missed the last edition, this year's tournament represents both a mission of redemption and reaffirmation for Moroccan football — now a powerhouse across all levels of African competition. Morocco Squad – TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 Goalkeepers: Al Harrar Elmehdi Rachid Ghanimi (FUS Rabat) Aqzdaou Omar (Wydad Casablanca) Defenders: Moufid Mohamed (Wydad Casablanca) Boulacsout Mohamed Mchakhchekh Mehdi Louadni Marouane Arrassi Bouchaib Assal Abdelhak (RS Berkane) Belammari Youssef (Raja Casablanca) Zahouani Fouad Midfielders: Khairi Ayoub (RS Berkane) Hrimat Mohamed Rabie Souane Amine Essadak Houssam Hajji Reda (RS Berkane) Bach Anas Aït Ouarkhane Khalid Bougrine Sabir Forwards: Mehri Youssef (RS Berkane) El Mahraoui Anass Bouhra Saïf-Eddine (Wydad Casablanca) Baba Khalid Riahi Imad (RS Berkane) Salaheddine Errahouli Mouloua Ayoub El Kaabi Youness Lamlioui Oussama (RS Berkane)
Ya Biladi
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan midfielder Amine Zouhzouh signs $3M deal with Al-Wakrah
Moroccan midfielder Amine Zouhzouh has officially signed with Qatar's Al-Wakrah club, departing from AS FAR after an outstanding season. The transfer deal spans three years and is valued at three million dollars, with an additional annual bonus approaching one million dollars, according to This represents a landmark deal for the historic Rabat club, where the 24-year-old Atlas Lion has tallied 24 goals and 24 assists. Zouhzouh's skill and precision have attracted interest from numerous clubs, including those in European leagues. However, he ultimately chose to commit to Al-Wakrah. As of last Sunday, the midfielder was still participating in a training camp with the national team for players born after 2000, gearing up for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place from August 2 to 30, 2025.
Morocco World
17-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Mohcine Bouriga to Sign with AS FAR
Rabat – The Swiss football club Sion has officially reached a final agreement with AS FAR to complete a deal to sell Moroccan striker Mohcine Bouriga. Reports indicate that the 25-year-old transaction was valued at over €400,000, in addition 25% for future moves to other clubs. The player struggled to adjust to the Swiss league during the season, accumulating 22 appearances by scoring once, keeping 602 minutes on the 2024-25 season. Bouriga made a significant impact in MAS Fez, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists across 29 appearances, and ended the season as the league's top scorer. The forward is expected to join AS FAR lines on a four year deal to be set in motion ahead of the upcoming season under coach Nassim Bayoudh.
CAF
13-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Aziza Rabbah: Built to Last, Born to Defend
At 39, Aziza Rabbah delivered a defensive masterclass to steer Morocco past Senegal in their final Group A match, claiming the coveted Player of the Match award and reaffirming her timeless value to the Atlas longer just a veteran, Rabbah is an institution in Moroccan women's football. The long-serving AS FAR centre-back rolled back the years in the 1–0 win, anchoring the backline with calm assurance and leadership to help Morocco seal top spot in the group and advance to the knockout rounds of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of completed the full 90 minutes, completed 45 passes, made two critical tackles, and committed just one foul — a disciplined and composed showing that not only earned her individual recognition but also delivered Morocco's first clean sheet of the tournament. 'Honestly, winning this trophy as the Woman of the Match is not my personal achievement but that of the whole team,' Rabbah said. 'It was a surprise for me and it meant a lot to me, especially for my professional career.' A Defender's Redemption For a player who has proudly worn Morocco's colours since 2006, Rabbah's journey has seen both high honours and hard omissions. At the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, she was selected at 36 — the oldest player in the squad — but remained on the bench throughout the team's historic run to the final and qualification for a maiden FIFA Women's World Cup. A year later, her name was absent from the final squad list for the global showpiece in Australia and New Rabbah didn't retreat, but stayed prepared. Her return to the starting lineup in 2024 is not a gesture of sentiment but a reward for enduring form and unwavering fitness.'I did my best as the oldest player in the team,' she added. 'I thank my colleagues, my family who support me a lot, and the coach who always trusts me.' Her performance didn't go unnoticed by Morocco's head coach Jorge Vildah, who hailed her presence and experience, saying, 'Aziza is a very good and experienced player. She brings a lot to the team, and we thank her for that. I'm happy for her.' Inspiring Victory, Leadership, and LegacyThough Senegal proved physically tough and tactically disciplined, Morocco fought smart, with Rabbah acting as the defensive fulcrum. Her positioning, leadership, and reading of the game allowed the Atlas Lionesses to contain threats and play with control under pressure.'We came with so much determination. We wanted to stay in this city. Three points are not easy. We had three tough games, but thanks to the efforts of my teammates and the coach's instructions, we won. Thanks to God we were gifted,' she to character, Rabbah was quick to shift the spotlight from herself to her teammates. Even in assessing Morocco's missed scoring opportunities, her focus remained on the collective outcome. 'We missed several chances, yes, but when we scored, we kept pushing. This is football — sometimes you miss, sometimes you score. The most important thing is we got the three points, and we're leading the group with heads held high.' A Decorated Career That Still Shines Born in Rabat, Rabbah began her career at FC Berrechid, where she won the North African Championship, several domestic league titles, and the 2008 Throne Cup. She would go on to sign for AS FAR FC, a club with which she has cemented her the Rabat-based giants, Rabbah has won 11 Moroccan Women's Championships between 2013 and 2024, along with 11 Moroccan Throne Cups. On the continental stage, she helped AS FAR to a historic CAF Women's Champions League title in 2022, in addition to two third-place finishes in 2021 and 2023. She also lifted the UNAF Women's Champions League trophy twice, in 2021 and she was named Best Player of the Moroccan Championship in 2014 and was included in the CAF Women's Champions League Team of the Tournament in the international front, she has been a dependable fixture for Morocco since 2006, representing the country in qualifying campaigns for multiple Africa Cup of Nations, World Cups, and Olympic Games. Her longevity at the highest level is a reflection of not only talent but discipline and professionalism. A Symbol of Endurance and Grace In a sport where youth often dominates headlines, Aziza Rabbah remains a beacon of enduring class. Her influence goes beyond minutes played or trophies lifted. She has outlasted eras, mentored generations, and continues to contribute at the highest level not by reputation, but by Morocco eyes a deep run in this year's WAFCON, the Atlas Lionesses will take confidence in knowing that at the heart of their defence stands a player whose career is built on resilience, quiet excellence, and unswerving commitment.'It meant a lot to me,' she said of her latest accolade. 'Especially at this stage of my career.' And for Morocco's historic WAFCON crown quest, her presence means even more.
