Africa Cup of Nations 2025 hosts Morocco began their campaign to win a second continental title with a somewhat nervy win over Comoros in the tournament opener in rainy Rabat. The Atlas Lions spurned a glorious chance to take an 11th-minute lead but broke the deadlock in the second half through Brahim Diaz and an acrobatic finish from Ayoub El Kaabi.
Read more
Croatia showed their class once more by clinching their third top-three finish at the World Cup with a play-off victory over history-makers Morocco. In a frantic opening, Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead with a superb diving header but Achraf Dari levelled just two minutes later before Mislav Orsic curled in a sumptuous second for Croatia.
Read more
Fernando Santos has stepped down as manager of Portugal. The 68-year-old leaves after Portugal suffered a shock 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the World Cup. Santos spent eight years in charge of Portugal, guiding the team to victory at Euro 2016, as well as the inaugural Uefa Nations League in 2019.
Read more
France were pushed all the way by World Cup wild cards Morocco before the holders sealed a place in Sunday’s final against Argentina. Theo Hernández gave the defending champions the lead after just five minutes but the Atlas Lions regrouped and tested Les Bleus before substitute Randal Kolo Muani put the result beyond doubt.
Read more
Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final and ended the hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the first half, leaping highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball and heading in to spark pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium.
Read more