Morocco upset Argentina to win their first ever FIFA U20 World Cup. Yassir Zabiri’s double proved to be the difference in a dramatic decider played in Chile’s capital, Santiago. Morocco is only the second African team to win the competition after Ghana, whom Andre Ayew helped to glory in 2009. Argentina were the overwhelming favourites. They had won a record six titles and only lost one final, while Morocco were appearing in the fixture for the first time. Moreover, the…

Morocco goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi was the unlikely hero as the Atlas Cubs held their nerve in a sudden-death shootout to tame France in Valparaiso, Chile and reach their first FIFA U-20 World Cup final. The North Africans had already substituted one keeper during the match when Ibrahim Gomis came on for the injured Yanis Benchaouch in the second half of regulation time, and they repeated the move prior to the penalty shootout, with Mesbahi brought on for the spot-kicks. There,…

North Africans Morocco will feature in the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time in 20 years after overcoming the United States of America in the quarterfinals played on Sunday. Morocco’s fairytale campaign continued as they proved too strong for the USA in Rancagua, Chile, winning the match 3-1. The last time Morocco reached the semis was in 2005, but then they missed 11 editions of the tournament before qualifying for the current edition in South America. The USA…

North African nation Morocco has progressed to the quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 World Cup after a 2-1 triumph over Korea Republic in the early hours of Friday morning in Rancagua, Chile. Morocco remains the only team in the tournament from the continent after South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt suffered exits. An own goal by Shin Minha and a second-half strike by Yassir Zabiri were enough to see Morocco through to the last eight of the tournament. “It was a…

A single white cloud hangs in the distance; two or three lotus flowers in partial bloom; a cluster of bamboo stalks stands tall. Together they form a serene rural scene. In this picture lives a snipe, a clam, a fish, and a husband-and-wife fishing duo …  In May, China National Theatre for Children toured Morocco with its classic stage production The Snipe, the Clam, and the Fish. The troupe visited the cities of Tétouan, Kenitra and Rabat, sharing this unique performance with…

Morocco have become the first African nation to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The Atlas Lions booked their ticket in style with a thumping 5-0 home victory over Niger. A raucous Rabat crowd roared the Atlas Lions to victory on Saturday. The first goal came in 29 minutes after sustained pressure, with Ismael Saibari sliding in to convert Youssef Belammari’s tantalizing low cross and lift the roof off the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The same player was in…

Morocco secured a record third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title after overcoming first-time finalists Madagascar 3-2 in a pulsating final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday. The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, were tested to the limit by a spirited Malagasy side, but ultimately their pedigree and experience told. Star striker Oussama Lamlaoui was once again the difference, scoring twice, including a spectacular 40-yard effort, to finish as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.…

Moroccan outfit AS FAR’s pursuit of Simba FC mentor Fadluraghman “Fadlu” Davids has ended on a disappointing note for the North Africans. AS FAR, also known as FAR Rabat, has been on the lookout for a new head coach following the dismissal of Frenchman Hubert Velud. Davids, 43, has impressed in Tanzania with his side neck and neck with nemesis Young Africans for the Liga Kuu Bara 2024/25 season title. Davids has also guided Simba to the CAF Confederation Cup…

Top diplomats of Morocco, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Niger agreed to boost cooperation at a ministerial coordination meeting held in the southern Moroccan city of Marrakech on Saturday. The meeting focused on an initiative proposed by Moroccan King Mohammed VI earlier in November, who suggested to “launch an international initiative to enable the Sahel countries to have access to the Atlantic Ocean.” The king stressed that “the success of such an initiative hinges on upgrading infrastructure in the Sahel…