Latest news with #AtlasLions
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Regragui Rejects Sweden Friendly to Focus on AFCON Prep
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has revealed that he turned down a proposed friendly against Sweden during the upcoming international break, insisting that preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil remains the priority. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Morocco's matches against Tunisia and Benin, Regragui confirmed the Swedish football federation had proposed a fixture to be held in Europe, but the offer was declined. 'We had an opportunity to face a European side. Sweden approached us but they wanted to host the match,' Regragui said. 'We're preparing for the AFCON at home. It's better to stick to the plan and play in our own conditions.' The Atlas Lions will instead remain in Morocco for both June fixtures, with Fes chosen as the host city, marking the national team's first appearance there in 16 years. 'Playing in Fes was my decision. The fans there haven't seen the national team in over a decade. It's time to give them that chance.' Upcoming Fixtures Morocco vs Tunisia – Friday, June 6 at 9 p.m. local time Morocco vs Benin – Monday, June 7 at 9.m. local time Both matches will take place at Stade de Fès as Morocco continues preparations for AFCON 2025. Tags: Atlas LionsMoroccoswedenWalid Regragui
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Morocco unveils squad for friendlies against Tunisia and Benin
Estimated read time: 1' Morocco has announced the squad selected by national coach Walid Regragui for the upcoming friendly matches against Tunisia and Benin. The Atlas Lions will face Tunisia on June 6, followed by a match against Benin on June 9. Both games will be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with kickoff scheduled for 21:00 (GMT+1). قائمة المنتخب الوطني المستدعاة للمقابلتين الوديتين أمام منتخبي تونس و البنين ?️Squad list of our National Team called up for the two friendly games against Tunisia ?? & Benin ?? #DimaMaghrib?? — Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) May 27, 2025 According to the list released by the Moroccan team on Tuesday, the squad includes: Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, El Mehdi Benabid. Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Omar El Hilali, Abdelkabir Abqar, Abdelhak Assal, Jawad El Yamiq, Oussama El Azzouzi, Adam Masina, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Youssef Belammari. Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Oussama Targhalline, Azzedine Ounahi, Amir Richardson, Ismael Saibari, Bilal El Khannouss. Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Soufiane Rahimi, Marouane Sanadi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Hamza Igamane, Osame Sahraoui, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Regragui: 'I'm the right man to win AFCON with Morocco'
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has delivered an emotional response to his critics, reaffirming he is hell-bent on leading the Atlas Lions to their second Africa Cup of Nations title. Speaking in the squad-list press conference ahead of this month's friendlies against Tunisia and Benin, Regragui said he remains fully committed to the national team project and dismissed social media commentary as background noise. 'I can't control the rumours. Some people sit in cafés and criticise players and coaches just to get likes,' he said. 'I accept criticism – as long as the players are protected.' Regragui stressed his passion for the job and declared himself fully confident in his ability to win the trophy on home soil this year. 'If there's someone better than me, I'll step aside. I'm the first fan of this team. I want to see Hakimi lift the trophy,' he said. 'If people want Guardiola, Ancelotti or Klopp, I'll sit in front of them and beg. But I believe I'm the one who can do it.' The Morocco boss added: 'I'm Moroccan first and foremost. No one loves this country more than I do. If you want someone with blue eyes, go ahead. But my players are behind me and ready to fight.' Morocco face Tunisia on Friday, 6 June, before meeting Benin on Monday, June 9, with both matches set to take place in Fes. Tags: afconAFCON 2025MoroccoWalid Regragui
CAF
18-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco, South Africa set to meet in the final once more after 28-years
A new chapter will be written in African youth football history this Sunday when South Africa's U20 men's national team face Morocco in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations. Amajita's Redemption Story It's been 28 years since Amajita last reached the final of the continental youth showpiece – a heartbreaking 1997 defeat to none other than Morocco. Now, led by head coach Raymond Mdaka, the class of 2025 has a chance to rewrite that script and etch their names into African football history. Their road to the final has been anything but smooth. After opening their campaign with a narrow defeat to hosts Egypt, questions were raised. But the group rallied, growing stronger with each outing. A crucial final grouo match draw with Zambia secured top spot in Group A, while commanding wins over Sierra Leone and DR Congo followed in the knockout rounds. In the semi-finals, it was Tylon Smith's 66th-minute strike – expertly set up by the influential Neo Rapoo – that downed Nigeria 1-0 in Ismailia and booked South Africa's second-ever final berth. Earlier in the quarter-finals, Thabang Mahlangu's extra-time goal had already ensured World Cup qualification for Chile 2025. Mdaka has rotated wisely and kept his squad motivated throughout, even after key players like Siyabonga Mabena (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates) were ruled out pre-tournament. His tactical nous and belief in youth have paid off handsomely, with goals shared across the squad and a rock-solid defensive line anchored by Teboho Pitso and captain Jody Ahshene. Morocco's Relentless March On the other side of the pitch, Morocco arrive with an equally compelling story. The Young Atlas Lions have not lost in open play in over 12 matches at this level and have built their campaign on structure, resilience, and timely goals. After topping Group B unbeaten – including a 3-2 win over Kenya and a 3-1 triumph against Tunisia – Morocco edged past Sierra Leone in the quarter-finals via an own goal deep in extra time, before a disciplined 1-0 victory over hosts Egypt in the semi-final sealed their return to the final for the first time since 2005. Their head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has been clear: 'The most important match has not yet been played.' The Moroccan boss praised South Africa's quality and insists his side must be at their very best to overcome a 'strong, organised and determined' opponent. Striker Jones El Abdellaoui has emerged as a match-winner off the bench, while the likes of Ismaël Aouad and Ayman Safsafi have played key creative roles. Morocco boast the tournament's highest shot conversion rate and have not conceded a goal in their last three matches – a testament to their compact defensive unit. Final On A Knife's Edge While Morocco bring pedigree and tactical control, South Africa offer raw spirit, attacking flair, and the psychological motivation of avenging their 1997 loss. Both nations have already achieved their initial goals of World Cup qualification – but there is no doubt that the continent's crown remains the ultimate prize. Will Amajita finally lift the trophy that eluded them in the past, or will Morocco complete their 20-year journey back to the top? Africa waits.
Morocco World
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
When and How to Watch the Morocco U20 AFCON Final 2025, Live Coverage Details
Rabat – As the countdown begins to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations final, Morocco's young Atlas Lions are sharpening their tactics and fitness to face a tough South African side this Sunday, May 18, at Cairo's 30 June Stadium. During the team's last training session before the big match, coach Mohamed Ouahbi emphasized fine-tuning both tactical and physical aspects to ensure his players are in peak condition for the decisive game. The Moroccan squad is fueled by a steely determination to claim the continental title and add a new chapter to Morocco's football history. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Ouahbi acknowledged the challenges ahead. 'The final will not be easy. South Africa's team is tactically disciplined and well-organized,' he said. They excel in quick transitions and creating numerical superiority in the opponent's half.' Despite these strengths, the Moroccan coach remains confident in his players ' abilities: 'Our team has the necessary qualities to control the match and secure victory. The players are eager to write a new page in Morocco's football legacy.' The final pits two highly motivated teams against each other – Morocco, known for its technical skill, and South Africa, recognized for its speed and physicality. Both teams have shown resilience in the tournament, with Morocco defeating host nation Egypt in the semifinals and South Africa eliminating favorites Nigeria. Match Details: Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Kickoff: 21:00 Cairo time / 19:00 Morocco time (GMT+1) Venue: 30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt Where to Watch: Arryadia TNT (Morocco) BeIN Sports HD6 CAF TV CAF's official YouTube channel With the team's tactical preparations complete and the players highly motivated, Moroccan fans can expect a thrilling final as the Atlas Cubs aim to bring home the U20 AFCON trophy once again. Tags: morocco vs south africaU20 AFCONU20 AFCON 2025U20 AFCON Morocco
