African Lion 2026 exercise officially launched in Agadir
via Le Matin3 min read
The 22nd edition of the "African Lion" exercise officially commenced with an opening ceremony held on Monday at the headquarters of the Southern Zone Staff in Agadir. The event was co-chaired by Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the Southern Zone, and Brigadier General Daniel Cederman, Deputy Commander of the US Army Southern Europe and Africa Task Force SETAF-AF. They presented the overall concept and activities of this year's exercise to representatives from participating countries. Major General Benlouali stated that the event is a strategic step in strengthening the constructive military partnership between the Royal Armed Forces FAR and the US Armed Forces, as well as with their counterparts from allied and friendly nations. He added that the exercise aims to enhance partnership and integration in planning, elevate operational readiness, improve operational performance, expand cooperation, and refine expertise across various specialties. Brigadier General Cederman emphasized that partnership is the foundation of "African Lion," with clear objectives: to increase readiness, strengthen interoperability, and improve the ability to execute joint missions in complex environments, building forces capable of responding quickly and effectively to common challenges. More than 5,000 armed forces personnel from approximately 40 participating and observer countries are taking part alongside the FAR and US Armed Forces in these maneuvers. The "African Lion 2026" exe
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The Atlas Lionesses began their Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 campaign with a decisive 4-0 win against Kenya. From the start, Morocco displayed an offensive strategy, with early attempts on goal by Sanaa Mssoudy and Ibtissam Jraidi. Kenya had an early chance in the 6th minute, but goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi cleared the ball. Morocco quickly responded, and Sakina Ouzraoui opened the scoring in the 19th minute from a pass by Yasmin Mrabet. Following this, Kenya's Val茅rie Nekesa attempted to equalize in the 23rd minute. However, the Moroccan team, under coach Jorge Vilda, extended their lead with goals from Maryame Atiq in the 29th minute, assisted by Kawtar Azraf, and Ibtissam Jraidi in the 32nd minute, from a pass by Hanane Ait El Haj. Returning from halftime, Ibtissam Jraidi scored her second goal in the 47th minute, further increasing Morocco's lead. The Atlas Lionesses maintained their offensive pressure throughout the match, securing a convincing victory. Their next match will be against Algeria on Thursday.
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