Latest news with #AtlasLions
CAF
21 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
12 days to go: Morocco make statement with friendly wins ahead of CHAN 2024
Published: Monday, 21 July 2025 Morocco's home-based national team is hitting peak form at just the right time, recording a second consecutive friendly win ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). With a strong 2-1 victory over fellow CHAN contenders Burkina Faso in Kenitra on Saturday, the youthful Atlas Lions are shaping up to be serious title contenders. The result follows Morocco's 6-0 thrashing of Chad in June and confirms their growing momentum despite limited preparation time. With the CHAN tournament kicking off on 2 August in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, head coach Tarik Sektioui appears to be molding a cohesive and confident squad drawn entirely from domestic talent born in 2000 or later. After a cagey opening 45 minutes, Morocco asserted their dominance in the second half. Bouchaïb Arrasi of Raja Casablanca opened the scoring in the 58th minute before Racing Casablanca's Younes El Kaabi doubled the lead four minutes later. Burkina Faso pulled one back through Papus Naser Ouattara late in the game, but Morocco held on to claim victory. Coach Sektioui's side, exempt from CHAN qualifiers as part of CAF's seeding protocol, are in a tough Group A alongside co-hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola. However, the recent performances have significantly boosted morale and tactical cohesion within the squad. The Lion Cubs will face Burkina Faso once more on Thursday, 24 July, also in Kenitra, in what will serve as their final warm-up before travelling to East Africa for the tournament. With a combination of individual brilliance and growing team chemistry, Morocco are making it clear: they are not just participating—they are coming to win.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco make statement with back-to-back friendly wins ahead of CHAN 2024
Published: Monday, 21 July 2025 Morocco's home-based national team is hitting peak form at just the right time, recording a second consecutive friendly win ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). With a strong 2-1 victory over fellow CHAN contenders Burkina Faso in Kenitra on Saturday, the youthful Atlas Lions are shaping up to be serious title contenders. The result follows Morocco's 6-0 thrashing of Chad in June and confirms their growing momentum despite limited preparation time. With the CHAN tournament kicking off on 2 August in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, head coach Tarik Sektioui appears to be molding a cohesive and confident squad drawn entirely from domestic talent born in 2000 or later. After a cagey opening 45 minutes, Morocco asserted their dominance in the second half. Bouchaïb Arrasi of Raja Casablanca opened the scoring in the 58th minute before Racing Casablanca's Younes El Kaabi doubled the lead four minutes later. Burkina Faso pulled one back through Papus Naser Ouattara late in the game, but Morocco held on to claim victory. Coach Sektioui's side, exempt from CHAN qualifiers as part of CAF's seeding protocol, are in a tough Group A alongside co-hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola. However, the recent performances have significantly boosted morale and tactical cohesion within the squad. The Lion Cubs will face Burkina Faso once more on Thursday, 24 July, also in Kenitra, in what will serve as their final warm-up before travelling to East Africa for the tournament. With a combination of individual brilliance and growing team chemistry, Morocco are making it clear: they are not just participating—they are coming to win.
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan rugby team finishes sixth in Africa Cup after narrow loss to Senegal
The Moroccan rugby union team clinched sixth place in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), which wraps up this Saturday in Uganda. In the battle for fifth place, Morocco went head-to-head with Senegal but narrowly missed victory, falling 28-33. Last Sunday, Morocco delivered a strong performance against Uganda, winning 24-12. This crucial win ensured the national team's place in Africa's Group A. Earlier in the tournament, the Atlas Lions faced a tough quarter-final defeat against Zimbabwe, with a score of 8-43. In the final showdown, Zimbabwe triumphed over Namibia, defending their title this Saturday. The stakes are high for the 2025 CAN, as the champion will secure a direct spot in the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Meanwhile, the runner-up will enter the Nation Cup, vying for a second chance to qualify for the World Cup.
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
CAF conveys Condolences to the family of Moroccan Football Legend Ahmed Faras
Published: Thursday, 17 July 2025 The President of the Confédération Africaine de Football ('CAF') is saddened by the passing of Moroccan football legend Ahmed Faras. CAF conveys condolences to Ahmed Faras family and the Moroccan football community. Ahmed Faras, the former captain of the Morocco national team who led the Atlas Lions to their historic triumph at the 1976 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, passed away on Wednesday. He was awarded CAF African Footballer of the Year in 1975 and is regarded as one of the greatest African strikers of all time. Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan football legend Ahmed Faras passes away at 78
Former Moroccan international Ahmed Faras passed away on Wednesday in Mohammedia at the age of 78, after a long illness, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sports Champions announced. Widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in Moroccan and African football, Faras left a lasting legacy with the Atlas Lions. As captain of the national team, he led Morocco to its only Africa Cup of Nations title in 1976. That same year, he was awarded the African Ballon d'Or, a prestigious honor recognizing his talent and impact across the continent. A legend of Chabab Mohammedia, Faras also left his mark on the domestic league. He was the top scorer in 1969 and 1973 and won the Throne Cup twice, in 1972 and 1975. His funeral will take place on Thursday in Mohammedia, following the Addohr prayer.
