Were the Fifa Club World Cup, in its freshly enhanced format, not to include a participant from Morocco, the absence would be glaring.
Few other countries have moved so impressively up the sport's hierarchy in the last five years. But there’s an uncomfortable question confronting Wydad Athletic Club of Casablanca (WAC), as they head to the US. Are they, in their current condition, best placed to represent their nation’s football renaissance?
Fact is, WAC are a long way from looking like the conquerors who earned the second of Africa’s four tickets to Fifa's big event by carrying off the Confederation of African Football’s Champions League title in 2021-22.
In many respects that triumph provided a direct impulse for perhaps Morocco’s greatest six months on the world stage. The manager of that WAC side was Walid Regragui, who would, after some hurried headhunting in the late summer of 2022, become the manager of the Atlas Lions. By December, Regragui had led Morocco to a World Cup semi-final.
How WAC’s vast, noisy fan base long for some of that sheen to rub back on them. The club have just finished third in the domestic league, a couple of notches up from the disastrous fifth place of the previous season.
Their once-routine connection with major international competition has been severed since March last year, when they exited the CAF Champions League campaign at the group stage. It’s a steep fall.
WAC, African champions twice in the last eight seasons, had reached at least the semi-finals of their continent’s most prestigious club tournament seven times since 2016.
Which is not to mention the ructions off the pitch, where the former president, the man in the position of maximum authority through those years of bounty, Said Naciri, is on trial for his alleged part in a contraband trafficking network. He denies the charges.
For his successor, Hicham Ait-Menna, who assumed the presidency last year, the challenges have been many, the best formulas for re-establishing status elusive. Coaches have come and gone at a spectacular rate.
Since Regragui departed, bound for sporting immortality with the national team, 10 different men have battled to measure up to his legacy.
The defence of the league and continental double would be entrusted, variously, to Hussein Ammouta, later of UAE’s Al Jazira; to the Tunisian, Medhi Nafti; to the Spaniard Juan Carlos Garrido; and to the Belgian Sven Vandenbroek. In 2023-24 Adil Ramzi, Faouzi Benzarti and Aziz Ben Askar all held the reins.
Then, last summer, came a bold statement of intent, when the studious South African Rhulani Mokwena was hired on the back of his work at Mamelodi Sundowns, and, specifically, on the slick pass-and-move style he had developed there.
Mokwena’s arrival coincided with a major squad overhaul, partly necessitated by financial constraints – WAC were negotiating their way clear of a Fifa transfer ban – in which the experienced Yahya Jabrane completed the exodus of Wydad players who had been at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco.
Mokwena brought in allies such as striker Cassius Mailula and winger Thembinkosi Lorch, compatriots he knew from home. But the first two months applying the Mokwena method were very mixed.
WAC, whose history boasts more league titles than any Moroccan club, managed just three wins from the first eight matches.
“It's not easy coming from South Africa to Morocco,” reflected Lorch.
“WAC is a pressure-cooker for a coach,” Mokwena told the broadcaster Supersport.
By the end of April, that pressure had told. Mokwena was informed he would not be seeing out the season, nor, to his great regret, testing himself against Manchester City, Juventus and Al Ain in the Club World Cup’s Group G.
The parting of ways frustrated Mokwena, who, while acknowledging that WAC’s sluggish start to the season meant they were always playing catch-up with a buoyant Renaissance Berkane in the league title chase, felt a corner had been turned in the new year.
In 2025 WAC have, at least, not lost a league fixture, albeit that too many draws were not turned into wins. Gathering up the threads of that momentum is 50-year-old Amine Benhachem, whose relationship with the club stretches back to his time there as a junior player, and who previously served WAC as an assistant coach.
Since being given the main job, he has been in a hurry to make his squad CWC-ready. “We have to get to the right level quickly,” he admitted after last month’s friendlies against Sevilla and Porto, two pedigree European opponents invited to Casablanca to replicate some of what his players will face out in the US.
Both visitors won narrowly, but Benhachem was encouraged by aspects of the performances and the integration of new signings. Wydad have been busy in the extra transfer window made available by Fifa to Club World Cup participants.
There was speculative, but unanswered, interest in a short-term deal for Cristiano Ronaldo. What they have instead are a centre-forward, Hamza Hannouri, 27, recruited from FUS Rabat, and the Burkinabe international attacking midfielder, Stephane Aziz Ki, 29, from Tanzania’s Young Africans.
There is also a resonant new name on the teamsheet, a name that strongly evokes Moroccan success: Amrabat – although it is the older of the footballing brothers, Nordin, rather than Sofyan, the midfield dynamo of the Atlas Lions midfield at Qatar 2022.
But Nordin Amrabat, should he find his groove, offers great creative range and huge experience. He has joined after a brief spell with Hull City in England’s Championship, the eighth different league he has graced in a career that started in the Netherlands and travelled through the top divisions of Turkey, Spain, Greece, Saudi Arabia and England.
He boasts 64 caps for Morocco, the last of them in 2019, and if he is now a mature 38, he remains, he says, a crowd-pleaser “with big dreams and targets.”
Nordin Amrabat has faced Juventus in the Uefa Champions League. He has, in the Premier League, taken on Pep Guardiola's City. That’s a know-how that should benefit his WAC colleagues.
“We have to be excited to play, and not afraid to face top players,” says Jamal Harkass, the WAC captain, who was given his Morocco debut by Regragui earlier this season.
“Big players grow by facing other big players. We just need to stay highly focused and ambitious – and deliver a performance that represents Moroccan football in the best way possible.”
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Oppenheimer
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EChristopher%20Nolan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECillian%20Murphy%2C%20Emily%20Blunt%2C%20Robert%20Downey%20Jr%2C%20Florence%20Pugh%2C%20Matt%20Damon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Scores:
Day 4
England 290 & 346
Sri Lanka 336 & 226-7 (target 301)
Sri Lanka require another 75 runs with three wickets remaining
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
UAE%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EMen%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Saif%20Al%20Zaabi%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Marzooqi%2C%20Zayed%20Al%20Ansaari%2C%20Saud%20Abdulaziz%20Rahmatalla%2C%20Adel%20Shanbih%2C%20Ahmed%20Khamis%20Al%20Blooshi%2C%20Abdalla%20Al%20Naqbi%2C%20Khaled%20Al%20Hammadi%2C%20Mohammed%20Khamis%20Khalaf%2C%20Mohammad%20Fahad%2C%20Abdulla%20Al%20Arimi.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWomen%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mozah%20Al%20Zeyoudi%2C%20Haifa%20Al%20Naqbi%2C%20Ayesha%20Al%20Mutaiwei.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
TOP 5 DRIVERS 2019
1 Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 10 wins 387 points
2 Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 4 wins, 314 points
3 Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 3 wins, 260 points
4 Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 2 wins, 249 points
5 Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 1 win, 230 points
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
Sour%20Grapes
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EZakaria%20Tamer%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESyracuse%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E176%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ANDROID%20VERSION%20NAMES%2C%20IN%20ORDER
%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Alpha%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Beta%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Cupcake%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Donut%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Eclair%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Froyo%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Gingerbread%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Honeycomb%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Ice%20Cream%20Sandwich%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Jelly%20Bean%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20KitKat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Lollipop%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Marshmallow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Nougat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Oreo%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%20Pie%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2010%20(Quince%20Tart*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2011%20(Red%20Velvet%20Cake*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2012%20(Snow%20Cone*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2013%20(Tiramisu*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2014%20(Upside%20Down%20Cake*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAndroid%2015%20(Vanilla%20Ice%20Cream*)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3E*%20internal%20codenames%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
%3Cp%3EFly%20with%20Etihad%20Airways%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi%20to%20New%20York%E2%80%99s%20JFK.%20There's%2011%20flights%20a%20week%20and%20economy%20fares%20start%20at%20around%20Dh5%2C000.%3Cbr%3EStay%20at%20The%20Mark%20Hotel%20on%20the%20city%E2%80%99s%20Upper%20East%20Side.%20Overnight%20stays%20start%20from%20%241395%20per%20night.%3Cbr%3EVisit%20NYC%20Go%2C%20the%20official%20destination%20resource%20for%20New%20York%20City%20for%20all%20the%20latest%20events%2C%20activites%20and%20openings.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
