🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Guy Stéphan praises a strong Morocco ahead of World Cup 2026 quarter-final against France
via Le Matin3 min read
Didier Deschamps' assistant coach, Guy Stéphan, has commented on Morocco's journey in the 2026 World Cup, describing them as a formidable force in global football. Stéphan analyzed Morocco's tactical performance against Canada in the round of 16, expressing admiration for their structure, solidity, and transitional play. He noted that Morocco is not a typical low-block team, capable of controlling possession, attacking at high speed, and maintaining strong defensive discipline. The French staff is preparing to face a team that relies on both grit and tactical maturity. Stéphan highlighted Morocco's right flank as a key area, suggesting that containing Achraf Hakimi will be crucial for France. Stéphan also addressed the situation of Ayoub Bouaddi, a young talent from LOSC who has been playing for Morocco. He acknowledged Bouaddi as a product of French youth development, stating that while he is a good player, France has strong options in that midfield position, including Rabiot, Koné, Zaïre-Emery, Kanté, and Tchouaméni. Stéphan defended coach Didier Deschamps' approach, explaining that Deschamps does not want to block a player's international career by giving them minimal playing time with France, thus preventing them from representing another country. Bouaddi is set to play a significant match this Thursday in Foxborough.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water ONEE has issued an international call for tenders for the El Menzel Pumped-Storage Energy Transfer Station STEP. Located approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Sefrou in the Fès-Meknès region, this project aligns with the national energy strategy. The turnkey contract covers execution studies, equipment supply, construction, installation, and commissioning. Pumped-storage plants are crucial for balancing electricity supply and demand, especially with the growth of renewable energy. This technology stores energy by transferring water between two basins at different levels, releasing it during peak consumption to stabilize the grid. The El Menzel project will enhance Morocco's hydraulic energy storage capacity, complementing existing STEPs like Afourer 464 MW and Abdelmoumen 350 MW, and the future Ifahsa STEP 300 MW. This infrastructure portfolio supports the integration of renewable energies and strengthens the Moroccan electrical system's resilience. The project is expected to be completed within 48 months, funded by the Islamic Development Bank. The deadline for bids is September 30, 2026. This tender is a significant step for ONEE in developing national electricity storage and flexibility infrastructure, reinforcing its role in ensuring supply security, energy sovereignty, and sustainable development for the Kingdom.
Morocco officially launched the eTrade.ma platform on Monday, July 6, 2026, at UM6P in Benguérir, aiming to generate an additional 15 billion dirhams in exports by 2027. The platform, developed by Moroccan engineering in partnership with UM6P and the OCP Foundation, is part of the government's 2025-2027 foreign trade roadmap. It seeks to connect supply and demand and support businesses in developing exportable products that meet international standards. The initiative addresses Morocco's trade deficit, which reached 353 billion dirhams by the end of 2025, with imports growing faster than exports. Adil Zaïdi, representing the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises CGEM, highlighted that less than 5% of Moroccan SMEs currently export regularly, despite forming the majority of the industrial fabric. He emphasized the need to transition from producing for the world to selling to the world. Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, noted that the African Development Bank ranks Morocco as the continent's leading industrial power. He stressed the importance of leveraging Morocco's extensive port infrastructure, such as Nador West Med, Tangier, and Casablanca, to establish the country as a global trade hub. Hejira also pointed out that 85% of national exports are concentrated along the Tangier-El Jadida axis, leaving only 15% for the rest of the territory. The platform aims to integrate artisans, cooperatives, and producers from inland regions, who currently lack the
Maghreb de Fès MAS secured the Botola Pro Inwi 2025-2026 championship with 59 points, marking their fifth Moroccan title after a 41-year drought. The team triumphed over Olympique Dcheira with a 2-0 victory on the final matchday. The title race remained competitive until the end, with RS Berkane finishing second with 57 points, qualifying for the CAF Champions League. Raja Casablanca placed third with 56 points, while AS FAR and Wydad concluded the season below their expectations. Maghreb de Fès had previously missed an opportunity to clinch the title in the penultimate round after a draw against Kawkab de Marrakech, but maintained their lead due to stumbles by their rivals.