🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Morocco's Atlas Lions face Madagascar in final home test before US World Cup departure
via Le Matin2 min read
The Atlas Lions will play their final match in Morocco against Madagascar on Tuesday at 6 PM at the Moulay Abdellah Complex before heading to the United States. This game concludes an intense initial preparation phase in Morocco. The team has been at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, focusing on physical training and video analysis. The technical staff prioritized player recovery after demanding European and national seasons, while also strengthening team cohesion. Closed-door training sessions allowed for experimenting with different game plans, integrating young talents, and consolidating gains from the qualifiers. The team's morale is high, supported by growing public enthusiasm. This first phase of preparation ends with discipline and serenity, having established physical foundations and a strong collective spirit for the American adventure. The match against Madagascar is strategically important, serving as a full-scale test to answer the coach's remaining questions. Facing a compact and incisive opponent, the national team must demonstrate its ability to break down defensive blocks and guard against counter-attacks. This match also allows Mohamed Ouahbi to make final adjustments, give playing time to players seeking rhythm, and clarify key positions. A convincing performance would build confidence before the pressure of the American campaign, while a disappointing result would highlight areas for quick improvement. Leaving Morocco on a positive note is essent
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Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the 17th Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI. This event highlights the King's sustained interest in sports as a driver for human development, inclusion, social cohesion, and youth empowerment. It also underscores the King's focus on athletics, which embodies values of perseverance and fair play, and his commitment to providing optimal conditions for young people to excel. Upon his arrival at the Olympic Stadium, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan reviewed a section of the Royal Guard and was greeted by several dignitaries, including the Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Mohamed Saad Berrada, and the president of the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, Faïçal Laraichi. He was also greeted by the president of the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, Abdeslam Ahizoune, and the director of the Diamond League circuit, Petr Stastny. The Crown Prince then attended the national anthem and a balloon release, marking the start of the international competition, which features top global athletes and is broadcast live on 150 channels. He observed various high-level competitions where athletes set new meeting records. Established on June 14, 2008, the Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting in Rabat is a key part of the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation's development plan, aligned with King Mohammed VI's directives. This event annually attracts world-class athletes
Moroccan runner Soufiane El Bakkali secured a victory in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Mohammed VI International Meeting, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Stadium. El Bakkali, a double Olympic and world champion, achieved the best world performance of the year with a time of 7 minutes, 57 seconds, and 25 hundredths. He stated that this win, marking the third stage of the Diamond League, motivates him to pursue the ultimate 3,000m steeplechase world record of 7 minutes, 53 seconds, and 63 hundredths. El Bakkali noted that starting his season with such a strong time reinforces his quest for the world record, which he believes requires specific conditions, rigorous preparation, and a well-defined strategy. He acknowledged the high level of competition, particularly from Kenyan, Ethiopian, and European athletes. El Bakkali views this victory as a positive sign for upcoming events in Stockholm and Doha, as well as the Los Angeles Olympic Games. The Mohammed VI International Meeting, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, brought together athletes from 40 countries, including Olympic and world champions. The event is a collaboration between the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation, and the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region.
Cosumar recorded a consolidated revenue of 2.2 billion dirhams in the first quarter of 2026, a 17.3% decrease compared to the same period last year. This decline is attributed to temporary logistical disruptions caused by exceptional weather conditions affecting port flows and distribution, as well as a decrease in global sugar prices since 2025. Consolidated sales volumes reached 461,000 tons by the end of March 2026, down 53,000 tons from the previous year. The group expects to recover volumes in the coming months due to its industrial and logistical capacities, including a daily refining capacity exceeding 7,000 tons. Net debt increased to 986 million dirhams from 206 million dirhams at the end of December 2025, mainly due to a larger agricultural campaign. Investments totaled 25 million dirhams, primarily for maintenance and industrial upgrades. Preparations for the 2026 agricultural campaign are favorable, supported by significant rainfall across the Kingdom, leading to the highest dam filling rates in ten years. While floods in the Gharb and Loukkos regions partially affected sugar crops, national sugar production growth prospects remain positive. Cosumar maintained regular national sugar supply through its storage and refining capacities and resilient logistics. Global sugar prices continued their downward trend in early 2026 but rebounded 10% to 15% in March due to macroeconomic and geopolitical factors and less favorable Indian export outlooks. Cosumar maintains its
New strikes between Iran and the United States have further complicated indirect negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, which began on February 28 with a joint Israeli-American attack on Iran. Tehran reiterated on Monday that the Iranian nuclear program is not currently part of discussions, contrary to Donald Trump's expectations. Iran's diplomatic spokesperson, Esmaïl Baghaï, also stated that a ceasefire in Lebanon, where its ally Hezbollah is fighting Israel, is an essential condition for any agreement. The US military announced it conducted a new wave of "defensive" strikes on southern Iran on Saturday and Sunday, the third in just over a week. These bombings targeted radar and drone control systems in Goruk and Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US Central Command Centcom on Sunday evening. These operations were in response to aggressive actions by Iran, including the destruction of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters. The Revolutionary Guards claimed on Monday to have attacked a base used by the US military for strikes against its territory, without naming the country where they struck. Kuwait reported intercepting "hostile" missiles and drones, attributing the attack to Iran. Washington and Tehran had previously accused each other on Thursday of violating the ceasefire in effect since April 8, following US strikes on southern Iran and an attack on Kuwait. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Leba