Latest news with #NorthAfricans
LeMonde
10 hours ago
- General
- LeMonde
Racist attack in southern France: 'Muslims do not feel as protected as other citizens'
According to French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, this was a "racist" crime with a "terrorist dimension." On the evening of Saturday, May 31, Hichem Miraoui, a 46-year-old Tunisian hairdresser, was shot and killed in Puget-sur-Argens, southern France, by his neighbor, Christophe B., 53. Christophe B. claimed responsibility for the act in several videos posted on Facebook. In these messages, he called on "the fucking French" to "wake up" and say "stop, stop to those fucking Islamics." "Grow a pair, go find them where they are," he added. Christophe B. targeted those he called "bicot," a racial slur for North Africans, "illegal immigrants," "lefties," and called on the government, "which is unable to protect us, to send them home." The national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office was called in – a first for a homicide inspired by far-right ideology. The Rhône Council of Mosques sounded the alarm in a statement released on Tuesday, saying that this crime reflected "a troubling and increasingly hostile climate toward citizens of Muslim faith in France." The atmosphere, according to essayist Hakim El Karoui, is being fueled by "frankly irresponsible politicians, who forget that the daily targeting of a segment of the population is dangerous, has serious consequences, and puts people at risk." El Karoui feared that "what we have long feared is happening: the shift of the far right to violence." He called for "all political leaders to recognize the effects of polarized debates."
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Tylon Smith has the attributes to be a really top-class defender, says Stellies coach Steve Barker
Amajita star defender Tylon Smith has earned the praise of his Stellenbosch FC club coach Steve Barker. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker believes Amajita star Tylon Smith has a 'really bright future ahead of him.' Smith was recently named Player of the Tournament at the Afcon U20 Championships in Egypt, where the central defender played a pivotal role in South Africa annexing their maiden continental U20 title. Amajita defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final, avenging the 1997 defeat to the North Africans. Smith, along with fellow Stellenbosch rookie Langelihle 'Major' Phili, were greeted with a hero's welcome by their fellow players at the club's annual awards banquet upon their return from Egypt this week. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Stellies right-winger Faiz Abrahams was also part of the SA U20 squad, but was not present at the awards. 'Obviously, I'm very proud of what the players have achieved at the U20 Afcon,' Barker said. 'All of the players, Faiz, Major (Phili) and Tylan really are doing not only the club proud, but also doing South Africa proud. 'So, really pleased with their contribution as we are with Monet Crumpton, the goalkeeper coach. Really, really well done to them.' The focus will, however, be on Smith after the defender's inspirational displays for Amajita, which also included a crucial goal in the semi-final victory over Nigeria. The 19-year-old has signed a professional contract with Stellies, but is yet to make his debut in the Betway Premiership. Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is proud of his young charges in the Amajita squad. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix
CAF
20-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco U20 coach Ouahbi baffled by final loss, turns focus to World Cup
Morocco U-20 coach Mohamed Ouahbi says he is struggling to come to terms with his side's 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, insisting the Atlas Cubs were the dominant side and deserved more. The North Africans fell to a second-half strike from Gomolemo Kekana at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, bringing an end to their unbeaten run and dashing hopes of clinching a rare continental treble across age categories. 'I still don't understand how we didn't win this final,' Ouahbi said in the aftermath of the match. 'We had the upper hand in every aspect – possession, chances, territory, corner kicks – everything. But somehow the trophy slipped through our fingers.' Morocco were bidding to add the U-20 crown to the U-17 title secured in Algeria last month and the U-23 championship won last year. Their 2025 campaign had been near-flawless: they remained unbeaten through the group stages, saw off Sierra Leone after extra time in the quarter-finals, and defeated hosts Egypt in the semi-finals. But despite enjoying long spells of control and creating multiple scoring opportunities against South Africa, they were undone by a moment of brilliance from Kekana in the 70th minute, whose long-range effort flew into the top corner past Moroccan keeper Ismail Lahmami. Ouahbi, however, refused to criticise any of his players for the defeat. 'The boys gave everything. Football can be cruel. You dominate, you dictate, you press, and one moment changes everything. But that's the nature of this sport,' he said. In total, Morocco had 57% possession, completed over 400 passes, and registered more attempts on goal, but were repeatedly denied by a resolute South African backline and their outstanding goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe, who was named Man of the Match for his display. 'I want to salute the players for their courage and commitment,' Ouahbi added. 'They are heartbroken now, but this experience will make them stronger. Our focus must now turn to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. We will regroup, learn from this, and represent Morocco with pride.' The Atlas Cubs will take plenty of positives from the tournament. Their ability to control games, their attacking fluency, and the emergence of young stars like Hossam El Sadek, Othmane Maamma, and Hossam Essadak provide optimism ahead of the global stage. Sunday's defeat marked the second time Morocco had contested the U-20 AFCON final, having won the title in 1997 when they hosted the tournament. A second crown appeared within reach after a dominant run to the final, but history did not repeat itself. South Africa, who had never beaten a North African opponent in the competition's history, made history of their own by clinching their first U-20 continental title – becoming the 12th nation to lift the trophy since its inception. Morocco will now reset and begin preparations for the World Cup, which kicks off in September. They will be joined in Chile by fellow African representatives South Africa, Nigeria, and hosts Egypt.
CAF
19-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
South Africa goalkeeper Lowe named Man of the Match in U-20 AFCON final
Published: Sunday, 18 May 2025 South Africa U-20 goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe was named the TotalEnergies Man of the Match after his heroic display helped secure a 1-0 win over Morocco in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 on Sunday. The shot-stopper delivered another commanding performance between the posts, producing a string of crucial saves to deny the North Africans and ensure South Africa lifted their first-ever U-20 AFCON title. Lowe, who has been one of the standout players of the tournament, was at his brilliant best again at Cairo International Stadium. He made a series of sharp saves in both halves, including key interventions to stop efforts from Morocco's Jones El Abdellaoui, Mouad Dahak, and Othmane Maamma. His commanding presence, calm decision-making, and excellent distribution helped his side stay organised under sustained Moroccan pressure — especially in the final 15 minutes after Gomolemo Kekana's 70th-minute goal had given South Africa the lead. The 18-year-old ends the tournament as the goalkeeper with the highest number of saves (24), playing a pivotal role in South Africa's road to the title, which included three clean sheets in the knockout stages. Lowe's consistency throughout the competition was a key factor in South Africa's success. From a nervy opening day defeat to hosts Egypt, he grew in confidence with each match, culminating in a title-winning performance in the final. His award caps a remarkable campaign for the young goalkeeper, who has now firmly established himself as one of Africa's brightest goalkeeping prospects.
CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Keita own goal sends Morocco into last four, books World Cup ticket
Published: Monday, 12 May 2025 Morocco edged debutants Sierra Leone 1-0 in extra time to book their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, thanks to a dramatic late own goal from Amara Keita. The tense quarter-final clash at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on Monday saw the North Africans dominate proceedings but struggle to break down a resolute Sierra Leone defence. It was a heartbreaking end for the tournament debutants, who pushed Morocco all the way before a cruel deflection settled the tie. The decisive moment arrived in the 115th minute when Keita inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure, giving Morocco a place in the final four and sealing their qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year. Sierra Leone's resistance was gallant throughout, despite being reduced to ten men in regulation time. Substitute Samba Bah was sent off following a VAR review in the 90th minute for a reckless challenge, leaving the West Africans to navigate extra time a man down. Morocco, Group B winners and one of the tournament favourites, had entered the match unbeaten in their last 12 games in open play at the U20 AFCON. Despite creating several chances through Jones El Abdellaoui, Ismaël Baouf, and Adam El Mokhtari, they were repeatedly denied by the heroics of Sierra Leone goalkeeper Mohamed Bai Kamara and a stubborn backline. Sierra Leone had their own moments of threat, notably through talisman Momoh Kamara, whose long-range effort in the 113th minute forced a fine save. However, the West Africans—who had stunned hosts Egypt 4-1 in the group stage—couldn't find the breakthrough this time. For Morocco, the win marks their second semi-final appearance since 2005 and maintains their unbeaten run at the 2025 finals. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi's side showed patience and composure, eventually breaking down a well-drilled opponent who had conceded the most goals of any team in the quarter-finals. Sierra Leone exit the tournament with pride, having exceeded expectations in their first-ever U20 AFCON appearance. With standout performances from Kamara and Alpha Turay, they have left a strong impression on the continental stage. Morocco will now look ahead to a semi-final clash with either South Africa or DR Congo, confident in their defensive resilience and tactical discipline.
