Latest news with #YoussefMehri
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Morocco sink Zambia in CHAN
Two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo clawed their way back into quarter-final contention with wins over Zambia and Angola in the African Nations championships (CHAN) on Thursday. Morocco crushed Zambia 3-1, while DR Congo needed two second-half goals to defeat Angola. The Zambian back line sustained high pressure as Morocco dominated the early proceedings at the Nyayo National Stadium but the North Africans failed to cash in on three clear chances. The Atlas Lions took the lead in first-half injury time when captain Mohamed Hrimat got onto Youssef Mehri's outswinging corner. Defender Happy Nsiku appeared to have levelled for Zambia in the 65th minute but he was denied after a VAR review confirmed an infringement in the build-up to the goal. Oussama Lamlaoui then capitalised on the confusion to grab Morocco's second just a minute later, before substitute Andrew Phiri pulled one back for Zambia on 70 minutes. Midfielder Sabir Bougrine's stoppage-time strike sent Morocco to second place in Group A with six points, only a point behind leaders Kenya. Fellow two-time winners DR Congo beat Angola 2-0 to end their opponents' hopes of progression in the tournament. Runners-up in 2011, Angola needed victory in their last group match to challenge Kenya at the top of the table, but two second-half goals put paid to those hopes. Jephte Kitambala and Mokonzi Katumbwe capped an impressive display for the Congolese, as they kept alive their chances of a place in the quarter-finals. The Leopards are tied on six points with Morocco, with the two sides meeting in their final group-stage match on Sunday. Kenya will play Zambia in the second match to decide the quarter-finalists.
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Morocco's Turning Point: Mehri plots path beyond the group stage
Published: Friday, 15 August 2025 Youssef Mehri isn't dwelling on personal accolades or Morocco's impressive 3-1 victory over Zambia at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2004 — his eyes are already locked on the next battle. 'We are ready for the next match against DR Congo, with the aim of passing the first round, which remains our primary objective at the moment,' the forward declared with quiet confidence. That focus says everything about the mood in Morocco's camp. The two-time champions may have stumbled early in CHAN 2024, but Thursday night in Nairobi proved they still have the firepower and discipline to shape their own destiny. Recognition for a Driving Force Mehri's impact against Zambia was undeniable, and the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award only confirmed it. The striker's delivery from a corner created Morocco's opener, and his relentless movement kept the Zambian defence under constant strain. 'This victory is the result of collective work by the players and the technical staff,' Mihri said, reflecting on the team's effort. 'We were more tactically disciplined and hungry for victory. The players were fully aware of the responsibility that weighs on them.' The Zambia Match: From Frustration to Control Under the floodlights at Nyayo National Stadium, Morocco came out with intent. Early pressure forced errors, but three clear chances went begging before captain Mohamed Hrimat finally headed home from Mehri's outswinging corner in first-half stoppage time. The second half brought drama. Zambia thought they had levelled through Happy Nsiku, only for VAR to rule out the goal. A minute later, Oussama Lamlaoui doubled Morocco's lead, capitalising on defensive confusion. . Zambia's Andrew Phiri cut the deficit on 70 minutes, but Sabir Bougrine's stoppage-time strike sealed a statement win. The result pushed Morocco to six points in Group A — level with DR Congo and just one behind leaders Kenya — setting up a high-stakes finale on Sunday. Why DR Congo Is Different While Zambia came into the game wounded after two defeats, DR Congo arrive in strong form and with their own ambitions of topping the group. Their physicality, pace on the break, and ruthlessness in front of goal make them a different kind of threat. For Mehri, that only sharpens the focus. 'We are ready for the next match,' he repeated, underlining Morocco's determination to advance. 'The aim of passing the first round remains our primary objective at the moment.' From Here On, No Room for Error The Morocco forward knows that fine margins will decide Sunday's clash. A win secures a place in the quarter-finals; anything less could leave the Atlas Lions relying on other results. But if the Zambia performance is any indication, Morocco have rediscovered their intensity, tactical sharpness, and belief. For now, Mehri's award will take a back seat to the bigger goal — making sure Morocco's CHAN journey doesn't end in Nairobi.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Morocco and DR Congo secure crucial CHAN wins over Zambia and Angola
TWO-TIME champions Morocco and DR Congo clawed their way back into quarter-final contention with wins over Zambia and Angola in the African Nations championships (CHAN) on Thursday. Morocco crushed Zambia 3-1, while DR Congo needed two second-half goals to defeat Angola. The Zambian back line sustained high pressure as Morocco dominated the early proceedings at the Nyayo National Stadium but the North Africans failed to cash in on three clear chances. The Atlas Lions took the lead in first-half injury time when captain Mohamed Hrimat got onto Youssef Mehri's outswinging corner. Defender Happy Nsiku appeared to have levelled for Zambia in the 65th minute but he was denied after a VAR review confirmed an infringement in the build-up to the goal. Oussama Lamlaoui then capitalised on the confusion to grab Morocco's second just a minute later, before substitute Andrew Phiri pulled one back for Zambia on 70 minutes. Midfielder Sabir Bougrine's stoppage-time strike sent Morocco to second place in Group A with six points, only a point behind leaders Kenya. Fellow two-time winners DR Congo beat Angola 2-0 to end their opponents' hopes of progression in the tournament. Runners-up in 2011, Angola needed victory in their last group match to challenge Kenya at the top of the table, but two second-half goals put paid to those hopes. Jephte Kitambala and Mokonzi Katumbwe capped an impressive display for the Congolese, as they kept alive their chances of a place in the quarter-finals. The Leopards are tied on six points with Morocco, with the two sides meeting in their final group-stage match on Sunday. Kenya will play Zambia in the second match to decide the quarter-finalists. - AFP
Reuters
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Berkane go 2-0 up after first leg of Confederation Cup final
BERKANE, Morocco, May 17 (Reuters) - Morocco's Renaissance Berkane scored two early goals but failed to add any more as they beat Simba of Tanzania 2-0 in Saturday's first leg of the African Confederation Cup final to take the advantage into next week's return. Berkane were heavily fancied going into their fifth Confederation Cup final in the past seven years and went ahead after eight minutes through Mamadou Camara, rising unmarked to head home from an in-swinging corner. A second goal from Oussama Lamlioui followed six minutes later in a blistering start that left the visitors looking shell-shocked and threatened a deluge of goals. Berkane, who have won the competition twice previously, had the ball in the net for a third time on the hour mark but Youssef Mehri's effort was ruled offside after a lengthy VAR check. Simba, whose previous appearance in a continental club competition final was 32 years ago, had few chances in the game but have home advantage for the return leg in Zanzibar on May 25.
CAF
17-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Berkane and Simba clash in TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup first-leg of Final
The first-leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final promises to deliver fireworks this evening as Moroccan heavyweights RS Berkane take on Tanzanian giants Simba SC in a showdown loaded with ambition, pressure and continental legacy. For Berkane, it's about asserting dominance and collecting a third title. For Simba, it's a chance to finally claim their first major continental trophy and write a new chapter in their proud history. Berkane's Relentless Pursuit Of A Third Title Few clubs have made this competition their own like RS Berkane. Champions in 2020 and 2022, the Moroccan side have reached their fourth final in six years and look more polished than ever. Their run to this year's final has been defined by ruthless efficiency and an unwavering sense of purpose. The semi-final clash against CS Constantine was a masterclass in first-leg dominance. Playing at home in Berkane, they crushed the Algerian outfit 4-0 thanks to a fast start and a well-drilled attacking display. Youssef Mehri opened the scoring inside the opening minute, Paul Bassène added a slick second, and Oussama Lamlaoui netted twice to put the tie out of sight. Constantine managed a 1-0 win in the return leg through Abdennour Belhocini, but Berkane's place in the final had already been sealed. In the quarter-finals, they faced a tricky test against Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas. A disciplined 1-0 away win in Abidjan, sealed by a late Imad Riahi goal, gave them the edge. Back home, Lamlioui found the net in the second leg to wrap up a 2-0 aggregate win and confirm their growing reputation as one of the most formidable clubs in African knockout football. Under the leadership of coach Moine Chaabani, Berkane have struck a balance between experience and youth. Veterans like Yassine El Khabbaoui provide calm, while the likes of Lamlaoui and Mehri bring flair and energy. Their defensive record has also been impressive, conceding just once over four knockout matches. Simba's Steely Road To The Final Simba SC's road to the final has been less flashy but equally impressive. The Tanzanian club have taken out some of the continent's most dangerous sides and are now just two matches away from continental glory. Their semi-final against South Africa's Stellenbosch FC was a tactical battle over two legs. In the first leg in Zanzibar, Ivorian defender Jean Ahoua stepped up with a beautifully struck free-kick just before half-time to hand Simba a 1-0 win. The return leg in Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium saw Stellenbosch throw everything at Simba, but Fadlu Davids' men stayed compact and weathered the storm to secure a goalless draw and a hard-fought aggregate win. That defensive steel had already been on display in the quarter-finals, where they knocked out reigning champions USM Alger. After a 1-1 draw in Dar es Salaam, Simba frustrated the hosts in Algeria to claim a 0-0 draw and progress on away goals. Davids has transformed this Simba side into a disciplined, pragmatic team with a clear identity. They no longer rely on individual brilliance but rather on structured pressing, solid organisation and moments of quality in key areas. The leadership of players like Henock Inonga at the back, the creativity of Clatous Chama in midfield and the set-piece threat of Jean Ahoua have made them a tough unit to break down. Clash Of Styles And Mindsets This final will be a battle of contrasts. Berkane play proactive football, often pressing high and trying to kill games off early. Simba are more conservative, focused on frustrating opponents and seizing moments. Both approaches have worked perfectly up to this point. The first leg will take place at Berkane's fortress-like Municipal Stadium, where the Moroccan side have blown away opponents with early pressure and clinical finishing. Simba's job will be to keep the game tight and possibly sneak an away goal. Legacy Versus Breakthrough For Berkane, this is familiar ground. They know what it takes to win this tournament and their squad is loaded with players who have done it before. Winning a third title would put them in rare company and confirm their status as one of Africa's most dominant club sides over the last decade. For Simba, this is potentially a transformational moment. Despite their huge domestic stature and passionate fanbase, continental success has often eluded them. A win would not only end that drought but also send a message to the rest of Africa that Tanzanian football is ready to step up to the elite level.
