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Ismaël Baouf recognized in CIES Scouting Report, eyes spot in 2026 World Cup
via Le Matin1 min read
Ismaël Baouf has been featured in the 2025 Scouting Report by the CIES Football Observatory, an organization known for its statistical performance analysis. The study, which evaluates 66 leagues globally outside of Europe's top five, highlights top-performing players born in 2006 or later over the past year. Baouf, a player for SC Cambuur, ranks 6th worldwide in the "ball-fighting center backs" category, a profile emphasizing defensive impact and duels. He achieved a score of 71.3 out of 100, having played over 2,090 professional minutes in 2025, with an estimated value potentially reaching 6 million euros. His ranking underscores his defensive strengths, including ball recovery, ground duels, and aerial play. This type of defender, crucial for securing the central defense and containing opposition attacks, is vital in modern football, especially in international competitions. Baouf's significant playing time at just 19 years old demonstrates early maturity and an ability to meet high-level demands, a key criterion in CIES evaluations. This recognition comes as Baouf was recently called up for the Moroccan team's latest training camp, marking a significant step in his integration with the Atlas Lions. Concurrently, uncertainties surround several key Moroccan defenders, including Nayef Aguerd, who is dealing with physical complications. This situation could create opportunities for new players. With the 2026 World Cup months away, competition for selection remains open within
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Must ReadMorocco is experiencing a surge in cyberattacks, highlighted by recent incidents targeting the National Social Welfare Organizations Fund CNOPS and the Office of Vocational Training and Labor Promotion OFPPT, alongside an increase in fraudulent SMS messages related to traffic violations. These events indicate that cybercrime is becoming an everyday reality for citizens. One victim reported losing over 30,000 dirhams after clicking a fraudulent link disguised as a traffic fine payment, illustrating the sophisticated nature of these scams. Professor Youssef Bentaleb, president of the Moroccan Center for Polytechnic Research and Innovation CMRPI, explains that cybercriminals target data for various purposes, from direct monetization of banking information to identity theft and social engineering using personal and administrative details. He emphasizes that the value of a database lies in the ability to exploit, cross-reference, and analyze information on a large scale, with banking details and professional account access being highly sought after on clandestine markets. Even email addresses and phone numbers retain significant value when exploited broadly. Stolen data circulates on dark web forums and encrypted messaging services, making traceability difficult. Professor Bentaleb notes that cybercrime is increasingly structured and industrialized, with specialized roles for intrusion, data extraction, resale, and exploitation. The emergence of "cybercrime-as-a-service" models an
Must ReadAn international symposium on artificial intelligence in education, held in Salé on April 15 and 16, addressed the integration of AI without exacerbating educational inequalities. Organized by the Zakoura Foundation under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the event brought together public decision-makers, researchers, and field actors. Discussions highlighted AI's potential for personalized learning, content adaptation, precise evaluation tools, and teacher support. However, concerns were raised about the risk of widening existing disparities due to unequal access to digital infrastructure, equipment, and teacher training, particularly in rural areas. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, emphasized the historical responsibility societies face with AI, urging a rethinking of educational models and investment in human capital. Mohammed Fikrat, president of the Zakoura Foundation, stressed that the issue extends beyond technology, focusing on the conditions for relevant and responsible integration. He noted that the effectiveness of AI depends on its integration into pedagogical practices and appropriate support policies. The symposium concluded that AI can be a powerful tool for improving learning, provided that equity and the central role of humans in education remain paramount. The Zakoura Foundation, which has supported over 2 million beneficiaries since 1997, advocates for an approach rooted in loc
Must ReadA report by the Prometheus Institute for Democracy and Human Rights IPDDH and the Civil Council for the Fight Against All Forms of Discrimination CCLD revealed how social media exacerbated stereotypes during the CAN 2025 football tournament. A minor on-field incident during the Morocco-Senegal final, involving equipment, was distorted into a widespread narrative on social media, leading to collective dehumanization. This incident, initially about a towel, escalated into a political issue, transforming 40 seconds of play into a collective stigma. The report, presented on April 17, 2026, in Rabat by Zineb El Jouak of IPDDH and Yasmine Boutaïb of CCLD, highlights an intersectional approach where various forms of discrimination, particularly against women, people with disabilities, and migrants, were amplified. The organizations aim to provide practical recommendations to decision-makers, emphasizing that while sport can foster social cohesion, it can also magnify existing inequalities if prevention mechanisms are not integrated into governance. The report documented 20 points of concern before, during, and after the competition, concluding that sport acted as a catalyst for pre-existing social tensions. For example, Senegalese workers in Morocco were dismissed after the final due to their nationality, and a viral campaign called for the expulsion of sub-Saharan migrants. The report also detailed how manipulated AI-generated content, such as videos sexualizing women, amplified ge
The Moroccan National Tourist Office ONMT is deploying a targeted strategy to support the development of Dakhla. In collaboration with members of the Regional Tourism Council, local operators, and territorial authorities, ONMT teams have initiated strategic meetings to align priorities and activate concrete growth levers. The primary objective is to advance Dakhla-Oued Eddahab by consolidating its position in high-value segments, particularly sports, nature, and experiential tourism. The ONMT's structured approach rests on four operational pillars: air travel, marketing, digital, and distribution. Accessibility is a key focus, with ONMT establishing partnerships with national and international airlines to connect Dakhla directly to priority markets, including France and Spain, through new point-to-point routes. This aims to sustainably open up Dakhla and ensure sustained growth in international visitor flows. Intensified promotion is also a priority, with the destination benefiting from enhanced digital initiatives, content creation, and influencer marketing, along with amplified campaigns in strategic markets. Media partnerships and presence at major international events like IFTM Top Resa and FITUR are integrating Dakhla into the global tourism landscape. Concurrently, efforts are underway to establish a strong identity for Dakhla beyond kitesurfing, highlighting its seaside, nature, and experiential offerings. Furthermore, the ONMT is strengthening commercialization by con