Latest news with #AfricaCupofNations
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco's Interior Minister Slams Media Campaign Over Stray Dogs Issue
Rabat — Morocco's Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, has denounced what he called a 'coordinated media campaign' targeting the country over its handling of stray dogs. He said this campaign intensified after Morocco was selected to host major international sporting events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Speaking during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Laftit said the campaign spreads false claims and misrepresents the reality on the ground. 'The reports focus heavily on stray dogs and accuse authorities of inhumane practices without acknowledging the real efforts made to protect public health and animal rights,' he told members of the House of Advisors. Laftit explained that stray animals, especially dogs, pose serious public health risks. In 2024, over 100,000 cases of bites and scratches were recorded. Rabies alone caused 33 deaths last year. Authorities also recorded 432 cases of hydatid disease and 64 cases of leishmaniasis. To address the issue, the government signed a partnership agreement in 2019 with the Ministry of Health, ONSSA, and the national veterinary body. The program focuses on scientific approaches, including surgical sterilization, rabies vaccination, and the creation of animal shelters. So far, Morocco has built or is building 20 shelters, with one already operating in Rabat. The government allocated MAD 240 million ($ 26,58 million) over five years to support this effort. A mobile veterinary unit in Kenitra has also been launched as a pilot project, offering treatment, vaccination, and temporary shelter for stray dogs. Laftit said his department also allocates MAD 40 million ($ 4.43 million) annually to the Pasteur Institute to provide vaccines and antiserums, while local authorities contribute an additional MAD 40 million ($ 4.43 million) to support health centers across the country. The Moroccan government approved on July 10 a draft law on protecting stray animals, particularly dogs, providing protection from the dangers they may pose to the public.
Toronto Star
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Alozie goal gives Nigeria 2-1 win over South Africa in Women's Africa Cup of Nations semifinals
CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — Michelle Alozie's long ball bounced into the goal in stoppage time to give Nigeria a 2-1 victory over South Africa on Tuesday and send the Super Falcons into the final at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria will play the winner of the late match in Rabat between host Morocco and Ghana for the title on Saturday.
Morocco World
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Adam Aznou on Everton's Radar
Everton FC are reportedly interested in Moroccan left-back Adam Aznou to bolster their defensive side following the recent departure of Veteran Ashley Young. According to The Athletic, the Toffees are showing serious interest in Aznou due to the lack of options at left-back, with Vitalii Mykolenko currently the only senior player available in that position. Aznou, 19, had played in Barcelona's academy (La Masia) alongside youth stars including Lamine Yamal, before moving to Germany in 2022 and joining Bayern Munich academy at the age of 16. The left-back switched his international allegiance to the Moroccan national team in 2024 after previously representing Spain at U16 and U17 levels. He made his professional debut for Bayern Munich in 2024 in a Bundesliga match against Union Berlin, before leaving on a six-month loan spell to Real Valladolid, where he made 13 appearances last season A potential move to the Premier League could grant the young star more playing time in a competitive league in the hopes he will get a call-up for the national team during the Africa Cup of Nations hosted on home soil in December. Tags: adam aznouBayern MunichEverton
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Banyana on a mission to clip Super Falcons' wings
Nigeria have performed well in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), scoring nine times in four matches, but that's not a concern for Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis ahead of their semifinal clash at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday (6pm). Ellis said there was no need for extra motivation for her players for the match, but that she will leave no stone unturned to make sure defending champions Banyana reach another final. 'Nigeria is a familiar team we've played against over the last couple of years. We travelled yesterday [Sunday] and today [Monday] and we will have our final training session [tomorrow], and there's not much you can do in one day,' Ellis said on Monday. 'But there are a few things you can tweak and a few things you can work on. The technical team has been really busy behind the scenes and leaving no stone unturned, so I think you don't need motivation for a semifinal and we are ready for the game.'
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Amajita star Tylon Smith joining Queens Park Rangers: reports
Amajita star Tylon Smith is joining Queens Park Rangers from Stellenbosch FC, with reports indicating the gifted centreback has completed his medical and agreed terms with the London Championship side. The website Transfermarkt reported the clubs 'have agreed to the transfer of one of the brightest prospects in the Stellies side'. Neither Stellenbosch or QPR have announced any deal yet. 🇿🇦 TYLON SMITH 🇿🇦 Dominating from start to finish, he claims Man of the Competition! @Football2gether | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 — CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 19, 2025 Smith attracted global attention winning player of the tournament as coach Raymond Mdaka's Amajita won South Africa's first U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final in Cairo, Egypt, on May 18. He scored the winner in South Africa's 1-0 win against Nigeria in the semifinal. All it took was one goal. ⚽️ All it needed was Tylon Smith, the moment that sent Amajitas to the final. 🇿🇦🤩 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 — CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 15, 2025 Smith's pace, positioning, superb strength in the challenge, excellent distribution skills and forays out of defence were crucial in Amajita's tournament victory. He shouldered the central defensive responsibilities after the withdrawal from the tournament of Orlando Pirates' Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Smith has not broken into the first team at Stellenbosch, being kept out by coach Steve Barker's ultra-dependable, experienced centreback duo of Thabo Moloisane and Ismaël Touré. But he was an important player in the Stellies U-23 team that ended second to Kaizer Chiefs in the 2024-2025 DStv Diski Challenge. Smith will be the second South African to turn out for QPR in recent years. Bafana Bafana 2010 World Cup midfield star Kagiso Dikgacoi played for the London club from 2011 to 2014.
