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CAF
20-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON: The Best XI
They lit up the Moroccan pitches with their raw talent. After three weeks of intense competition, the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 ended with a triumph for the host nation, but also marked the emergence of young stars. Here is the Best XI of the 15th edition of the competition — a line-up that reflects the extraordinary reservoir of talent that African football possesses. Chouaib Bellaarouch (Morocco) GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper from the Mohammed VI Academy was one of the key players behind Morocco's title win. Rock-solid on his line, dominant in the air, and decisive in the penalty shootout during the final against Mali, he deservedly walks away with the tournament's Best Goalkeeper award. Moncef Zekri (Morocco) – Right-back Always accurate in his forward runs and precise with his crosses, Zekri constantly surged up and down his flank. His understanding with Ouazane during attacking phases often unsettled opposing defences. Issouf Dabo (Burkina Faso) – Centre-back Strong, disciplined, and always well positioned, Issa Dabo was a pillar of the Little Stallions' defensive stability. Thanks to his reading of the game and composure in duels, the Burkinabè defender emerged as a natural leader — a standout figure in a Burkina Faso team that narrowly missed the podium but held their heads high. Driss Aït Chiekh (Morocco) – Centre-back Another explosive force on the flank, Aït Chiekh embodied Moroccan energy. Solid in defence and incisive going forward, he often provided an extra option in attack. Vaboué Doumbia (Côte d'Ivoire) – Left-back The Ivorian defender was both commanding in challenges and clean in distribution. His composure in high-pressure moments contributed significantly to the Elephanteaux's strong run, finishing third after a dramatic win over Burkina Faso. Issa Tounkara (Mali) – Defensive midfielder The tireless anchor of Mali's midfield, Issa Tounkara shone with his ability to intercept passes, win the ball, and launch attacks cleanly. Always well positioned and valuable during transitions, the captain of the Aiglonnets was one of the unsung heroes of Mali's impressive campaign. Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco) – Attacking midfielder The playmaker. Elegant, composed, and blessed with a silky left foot, the Ajax Amsterdam player lit up the tournament with his talent. Named Player of the Tournament, he directed play with remarkable calmness and maturity. Seydou Dembélé (Mali) – Attacking midfielder The conductor of Mali's game, Dembélé stood out for his vision and intelligence in tight spaces — a creator in the purest tradition of African number 10s. Ilies Belmokhtar (Morocco) – Left winger Fast, skilful, and inspired, Belmokhtar was a nightmare for opposing full-backs. Direct and quick, he was a constant threat while also contributing to the team effort. Ashsaraf Tapsoba (Burkina Faso) – Right winger Joint top scorer of the tournament with 7 goals, Tapsoba was Burkina Faso's primary attacking weapon. Quick and clinical in the final touch, he showed he could make the difference at any moment. Alynho Haidara (Ivory Coast) – Striker Also joint top scorer with 7 goals, the lively Ivorian striker made his mark with sharp runs and cool finishing. His equaliser in the third-place play-off showed great strength and character.
Morocco World
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco Sets Out Football Ambitions At World Football Summit
Morocco is making no secret of its ambition to become a global football powerhouse, hosting the first-ever World Football Summit on African soil in partnership with Evosport. Held at the state-of-the-art Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, the two-day event welcomed over 1,000 delegates from 47 countries. Beyond the panels and photo ops, the summit put on full display Morocco's sporting infrastructure, diplomatic reach, and broader development agenda. 'The world of football goes far beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch – or 120 in extra time,' said Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Moroccan Football Federation, during the opening panel at the World Football Summit (WFS). 'Football is steeped in values: wellbeing, mutual respect, social cohesion, and unity. It's a powerful driver of inclusion. That's why we're here in Morocco.' Fouzi Lekjaa says the 2030 World Cup will bring three cultures together in a show of unity and harmony. With the 2030 FIFA World Cup looming – jointly hosted with Spain and Portugal – Morocco sees more than a logistical role. 'This bid isn't about geography or convenience – it's about legacy, unity, and a shared future,' said Lekjaa. 'Morocco is a country of deep history and civilisation. A bridge between Africa and Europe – not chasing prestige, but reminding youth of their shared heritage.' The 2030 edition will be historic: the first spanning two continents, and marking the World Cup's centenary. For Morocco, it's another chapter in a long-term strategy to leverage football for development, youth empowerment, and cultural diplomacy. 'We aim to harness the global spotlight to showcase Morocco's heritage while nurturing our youth.' One man already elevating Morocco's football credentials is national coach Walid Regragui, who led the Atlas Lions to an unprecedented World Cup semi-final in Qatar – no stroke of luck, but the product of years of planning. Walid Regragui credits the Mohammed VI Academy, Morocco's talent factory 'What we achieved sent a message to the continent,' said Regragui. 'It proved Africa can compete with the best – if things are done properly, step by step.' He credits the Mohammed VI Academy, Morocco's talent factory. 'At the World Cup, four or five players came from the Academy. There's a process – some want to rush it.' Still, he cautioned, more trust must be placed in African coaches and administrators. 'Sadly, we're still not afforded the same credibility as the players. There's this inferiority complex, this belief that foreign coaches are better. But Qatar proved otherwise.' His views resonated in diplomatic circles. Spain's ambassador to Morocco, Enrique Ojeda Vila, described the tournament as a vehicle for more than just sport. Enrique Ojeda Vila, described the tournament as a vehicle for more than just sport. 'We're talking about mobility, infrastructure, and bringing people together,' he told Morocco World News . 'I'm pleased that Spain is part of this – with our Portuguese and Moroccan friends.' Jan Alessie, co-founder of the World Football Summit, called Morocco 'a natural choice.' 'The footballing history here is unmatched. And the passion of Moroccan fans – also unmatched. That was clear in Qatar.' On the ground, Morocco's efforts are visible: new stadiums, buzzing youth academies, a polished national training centre, and a packed tournament calendar – from this month's U17 Africa Cup of Nations to the Women's U17 World Cup later this year. Jan Alessie says that the passion for football in Morocco is unrivalled. Ismail Lyoubi, head of Evosport at UM6P, said Morocco had earned its place. 'Through tangible achievements, Morocco has proven it can develop football – and sport more broadly. We aim to foster meaningful collaborations and deliver concrete outcomes for the global football community.' Morocco, in short, is building more than a tournament. A legacy. A footprint. A future. Or as Regragui put it: 'This World Cup was confirmation that if you build properly, you can compete with the very best.'
Morocco World
14-02-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco U17 Win Youth Cup Antalya – With Eye for AFCON Glory
Morocco's U17 team won the Youth Cup Antalya 2025 today in Turkiye – just a few weeks before the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Atlas Cubs won the friendly tournament after they beat Slovakia 3-1 in the final game. Ali El Filali opened the scoring in the fifth minute, before Moncef Mohamed scored the second 20 minutes later. Ismael Ziani put the game out of reach with a goal in the 53rd minute. Morocco topped the league-like competition with six points. They lost the opener 1-0 to the Czech Republic, but went on to win 1-0 against Uzbekistan and Slovakia. The Youth Cup Antalya allowed the head coach, Nabil Baha, to put his players to the test. Goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch, from Mohammed VI Academy, who stopped two penalties. Amine Amgar, Jacopo Maglia and Ali El Failali also scored points. Baha has in his squad enough quality-players to call-up for the 2025 AFCON. Morocco hosts the U17 AFCON from March 30 to April 19. The Atlas Lions will face Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia in the group stage. After coming so close in 2023 AFCON when they finished runners-up, the hosts now have a big shot at redemption. This time, the Moroccan team will be more determined than ever to win the trophy on their own ground.
