Tag: Morocco

Luis Enrique Defends Brahim Diaz After Panenka Miss in AFCON Final

Luis Enrique
January 2026

Luis Enrique defended Diaz after his late Panenka penalty was saved, a moment that became a focal point of criticism following Morocco’s defeat to Senegal. He argued football outcomes should not define a player’s character, cited the pressure created by the long delay and protests before the kick, and noted many elite players have taken Panenkas in major matches, with judgment changing only based on whether it goes in.

Mane Says He Stopped Senegal Walkoff to Protect the Game

Sadio Mane
January 2026

Mane explained why he persuaded Senegal players and staff to return to the pitch after they began walking off in protest over a disputed penalty decision. A penalty for Morocco sparked walkout attempts led by Thiaw, but Mane stayed, spoke with officials, and called teammates back; Diaz then missed the spot kick, and both Mane and Thiaw later said emotions ran high but football must be respected.

Morocco Knock Out Cameroon as United AFCON Pair Clash, Mbeumo Set to Return

Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo
January 2026

Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0, ending Mbeumo’s tournament and extending Mazraoui’s run to at least the semi-finals. Brahim Diaz scored first from close range after a corner sequence, then Ismael Saibari finished low into the corner after a free-kick fell kindly. United regain Mbeumo quickly, while Mazraoui remains away for at least another week.

Amorim tries to delay AFCON exits for Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui

Ruben Amorim
November 2025

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim plans talks with the federations of Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Morocco to delay AFCON call-ups for Mbeumo, Amad and Mazraoui so he can keep them deeper into December during a packed Premier League and FA Cup run. AFCON rules allow nations to demand players two weeks before their first group games, which could remove the trio around the Wolves match on 8 December, but United are pushing for release after Bournemouth on 15 December to limit the number of fixtures they miss.

Hakimi crowned Africa’s best as Morocco dominate awards night

Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
November 2025

Achraf Hakimi has been named African Player of the Year after a treble-winning season with Paris Saint-Germain, beating Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen as he capped a landmark awards night that also recognised Morocco’s growing influence across men’s and women’s football. Recovering from a serious ankle sprain, Hakimi is racing to be fit to lead hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, while team-mates Ghizlane Chebbak and Yassine Bounou, rising star Othmane Maamma and coach Bubista of Cape Verde also collected major continental honours.

Morocco Seal 2026 World Cup Spot in Style

Morocco national team
September 2025

Morocco thrashed Niger 5-0 to book their 2026 World Cup place with two games to spare. The Atlas Lions have now qualified after winning all six group matches, cementing their place among the early confirmed participants for the tournament. Following their historic Qatar 2022 semi-final run, Morocco extended their impressive trajectory by dominating qualification. The team’s consistency and attacking firepower proved decisive, and optimism is high that they can replicate or better their deep run in the United States.

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