Royal honor for Africa's runner-up

Prince Moulay Rachid, brother of King Mohammed VI, received the members of the Moroccan national football team, runners-up in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, at the Royal Guest Palace in Rabat. He honored them for their outstanding performance and commendable journey throughout the tournament, despite their loss in the final match. The reception, held at the direction of King Mohammed VI, saw Prince Moulay Rachid shake hands with the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, and coach Walid Regragui, as well as the players, and pose for commemorative photos with them as a token of the nation's appreciation for their efforts. The Moroccan team lost the final to Senegal by a single goal in extra time, leaving their dream of a second title elusive after a wait of more than fifty years. King Mohammed VI warmly congratulated the "Atlas Lions" immediately after the match, highlighting the team's high spirits and remarkable commitment throughout the tournament. In his message, he emphasized that the team demonstrated the ability of Moroccan and African youth to achieve great things when talent is supported and trusted, praising their determination and heroic performance, which he described as a powerful national message. The King added that this experience reflects the Kingdom’s strategic vision based on investing in human capital and developing infrastructure, noting Morocco’s high level of readiness in organizing and hosting major sporting events, including preparations for hosting the 2030 World Cup.