Latest news with #SOCCER212
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Amine Adli opens up on his mother's passing ahead of Afcon and Morocco's support
Moroccan footballer Amine Adli has opened up about the passing of his mother in a heartfelt interview with Instant Foot. Just before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in January 2024, Adli was called up to the Morocco national team. But he was also facing a devastating personal loss—the death of his mother. In the interview, he recalls those difficult days. After a strong season with Bayer Leverkusen, Adli decided to spend the holidays with his mother. «I took a vacation with my mom in Dubai. It was our first time there, and everything went well», he said. But once they returned, things took a turn. «We came back, my mom went back home, and my sister told me, 'Mom isn't feeling well. She's at the hospital'». Adli rushed to be by her side in France. «They kept telling me she was fine. My mom kept saying, 'Go ahead, Amine, go play football.' I said no, I wouldn't leave, but she insisted». ? UN DES MOMENTS FORTS DU PAYE TA GRAILLE BY @lnstantFoot Amine nous explique le décès de sa mère Allah y rhamha et l'aide apportée par Faouzi Lekjaa et la fédération mais également l'amour apporté par le public ? ÉMOUVANT… — SOCCER212 (@SCCR_212) May 27, 2025 Adli joined the national team's AFCON camp, but a day later, his sister called again. «She said, 'Come back. Mom isn't doing well'». Coach Walid Regragui told him, «Go back right away». Adli returned, but within days, his mother's condition worsened, and she passed away. He shared how the Moroccan federation helped him fulfill his mother's last wish—to be buried in Meknes. «I called the coach and told him. Repatriating a body for burial—it's a lot. But the national team, the whole federation, they really supported me. They arranged a plane so we could get to Morocco quickly, helped with all the paperwork. They took care of everything». In the midst of his grief, Adli made a choice. «I felt I had to go for my country. After everything the team did for me, I owed it to them. I had to show up». Returning to the pitch helped. «Once I started training again, it helped. It was good to think about something else, to clear my mind. Sometimes, being on the pitch just helps». Adli also spoke about the overwhelming support from Moroccan fans. «Incredible support. I can't even express how grateful I am».
Ya Biladi
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
«We dominated from start to finish», Regragui says after Morocco's World Cup qualifiers
Estimated read time: 2' Speaking after the Atlas Lions' World Cup qualifier against Tanzania on Tuesday, Morocco's national team coach, Walid Regragui, expressed satisfaction with his team's performance despite what he called «little details» that need improvement. «We dominated possession, controlling 80% to 90% of the game», Regragui told Arryadia. «We created plenty of chances, and against Niger, we had everything under control. Towards the end, there were some technical errors and a bit of relaxation, which gave them a few opportunities, but overall, we were in command from start to finish». His comments came in response to criticism of the Atlas Lions' narrow 2-1 win against Niger. La longue réaction de Hoalid Regragui au micro d' @arryadiatv très heureux de la quasi qualification. Il répond également aux critiques. Qu'en pensez-vous ? — SOCCER212 (@SCCR_212) March 25, 2025 Regarding Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Tanzania, Regragui said: «We built this victory step by step. In the first half, the opposing team ran a lot, and we knew they would tire in the second half. That's where we had the advantage. We secured a 2-0 win, scored four goals in two matches, and maintained a perfect 15/15 points. We're progressing well, and I'm very happy with the players. We are now 99% closer to World Cup qualification». Responding to further criticism of the team's performance in both matches, Regragui defended his squad's approach: «We have built a strong team. Everything is going well, but if I had to go into details, I'd say we could have been more clinical in the first half, attacking more centrally. But strategically, we allowed them to run, knowing that in African football, exhausting the opposition is key. Just like against Niger, once they were tired in the second half, we took control and scored. The first goal always opens up the game and makes everything easier». He expressed pride in his players, particularly given the challenges they faced: «I'm extremely proud of the players, especially considering that many of them are competing in the Champions League and Europa League. Despite fasting during Ramadan, they did what was required and secured six crucial points». Regragui also emphasized the team's long-term goals: «We already have a solid team, and we are building it to peak at the Africa Cup of Nations. One of our key objectives was World Cup qualification. It's not official yet, but we've achieved six consecutive wins in the AFCON qualifiers and five straight victories in the World Cup qualifiers. That's something to celebrate».
