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2023 Women’s World Cup: Morocco’s ‘Explosion of Joy’ Comes After Years of Work And Investment

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Morocco manager Reynald Pedros (centre) has guided his side through the group stages at the expense of Germany

After beating Colombia 1-0 thanks to Anissa Lahmari tucking home the rebound from Ghizlane Chebbak’s missed penalty, the Morocco squad gathered around a phone in the centre circle at Perth Rectangular Stadium.

The players were watching the final seconds of Germany versus South Korea, knowing that if the two-time world champions failed to find a winner, Morocco themselves would progress at the Germans’ expense.

When the final whistle blew in Brisbane, confirming Germany had been held to a 1-1 draw and were out of the tournament, the Morocco celebrations began 2,680 miles away in Perth.

“We all came together, we had the phone and we were all praying,” said Lahmari. “Afterwards it was just an explosion of joy.”

Morocco are through to the last 16 at their first ever Women’s World Cup. Of the eight debutants in Australia and New Zealand, they are the last women standing.

It follows the falsest of starts for the North Africans, who were thrashed 6-0 by Germany in their opening match.

But under the guidance of manager Reynald Pedros, they picked themselves up, tightened up and secured a pair of deserved one-goal victories over South Korea and Colombia to earn a knock-out meeting with France on 8 August in Adelaide.

For Morocco, this success is the result of years of investment in women’s football which puts several of the other nations at this tournament to shame.

‘Everything is there for the taking’

Anissa Lahmari scores against Colombia for Morocco
Anissa Lahmari bundled in the only goal against Colombia after Ghizlane Chebbak’s penalty was saved

Since 2009, when Morocco’s new football academy was opened with the aim of producing international quality footballers of all genders, the country – led by football-mad King Mohammed VI – has placed heavy focus on the women’s game.

In 2019 the $65m King Mohammed VI Training Complex opened near the capital city, Rabat, which is home to both the men’s and women’s international teams at senior and junior level. It includes eight full-size pitches, futsal and beach pitches, gym and medical facilities, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, classrooms and a 5-star hotel.

In August 2020, the National Women’s League became professional. To achieve these aims, the annual budget for women’s football rose to $65m – a tenfold increase.

“We are so proud of what we managed to do,” Lahmari said after the win over Colombia. “Emotions are running high. We are delighted, and dedicating this win to the people of Morocco and the King.”

This is Morocco’s latest step in becoming a global football force, following the extraordinary achievements of the men’s team in Qatar last year.

Having reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup with their men’s team, Morocco are the second African nation to reach the knockout stages of successive men’s and women’s World Cups, after Nigeria in 1998 (men’s) and 1999 (women’s).

Just as the men took historic steps in Qatar – they were the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final – so have Morocco in setting up their meeting with France.

But Pedros, while proud of what this achievement means for the country, is not satisfied yet.

“The women’s team is being showcased for Moroccans back home. It is beautiful”, he said.

“All these players are proud to put on that jersey. They are doubling their efforts because they love their country and their efforts are being paid off.

“We are not going to stop here – we need to see progression. Everything is there for the taking.”

‘France next is very special’

Herve Renard
Herve Renard, coach of Morocco’s next opponents France, managed the Moroccan men’s team at Russia 2018

The game against France also produces a remarkable dynamic among the two managers. Pedros is French, while France manager Herve Renard coached the Morocco men’s team at the 2018 World Cup.

“It is very special because it is France next,” said Pedros. “I know the French team very well, maybe this will help but it is a strong team with high level players.

“It will be a very difficult game to play, but if we keep the same mindset we are hopeful we can go further.

“We will do everything to go to the next stage – our goal is not to stop now, we need to go further. We will celebrate a little bit then go to Adelaide tomorrow and work again.”

No matter what Morocco do next, they have played a huge part in the most upset-packed Women’s World Cup ever.

Three of the top 10 sides in Fifa’s rankings – Germany, Canada and Brazil – have gone out in the group stage, while six sides outside the top 20 – including Morocco – have progressed to the second round.

“This World Cup is incredible! So many great games – this is what sport is about. Nothing is written and now we are part of that chapter,” said Pedros.

“Our first game [the 6-0 defeat to Germany], for 95% of people we were over, but we knew we could do something. In soccer, it is not an exact science, nothing is decided.

“[We have qualified for the next round] because we deserve it.

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itel Launches A300+: Most Affordable Duo-Screen Smartphone with a Rear Screen

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itel, the technology empowerment brand for masses, officially unveiled its new product A300+, brand’s first interactive dual-screen smartphone in its price range. itel A300+ comes with a comprehensive set of features — a 7000mAh marathon battery, IP65 military-grade durability, and satellite communication capability, demonstrating that innovation and complete product strength can coexist at an accessible price point.

 

A First-of-Its-Kind Rear Screen Experience: Interactive Innovation for a New Generation

itel A300+ coming with an interactive rear display is a rare feature in this price category, designed to deliver a smart entertainment experience for young generations. Far from being a cosmetic gimmick, the rear screen provides practical functions built around real everyday scenarios. Users can frame selfies using the higher-quality rear camera with a live preview on the back screen, glance at incoming messages and alerts without waking the main display, and play, pause, or skip tracks directly from the rear screen. The rear display also supports customizable clocks, photos, and designs, giving users a personal window to express their individual style. Complementing the rear screen, the A300+ features a 6.78-inch immersive punch-hole main display, offering a cleaner, more expansive viewing experience for streaming, gaming, browsing, and social media.

 

 

Performance and Value in Balance: Delivering Fresh Technology Despite Industry Pressure

Even amid rising industry costs, itel has chosen to bring fresh technology to its products while continuously improving performance and keeping pricing accessible. The A300+ is powered by a 7000mAh marathon battery engineered for long-term reliability, supporting up to 1,200 charging cycles — far exceeding the industry standard, and designed to retain healthy capacity. AI Charging Protection intelligently manages charging patterns to reduce battery degradation, while Smart Power Management optimizes power consumption across apps and hardware to extend usage time between charges.

 

The device also features 300% ultra-volume DTS stereo speakers, delivering rich, room-filling sound for music, videos, FM radio, and everyday entertainment. Built to withstand daily life and beyond, the A300+ carries IP65 water and dust resistance certification and meets military-grade durability standards, resisting splashes, dust, and accidental drops. Notably, the A300+ includes satellite communication capability, ensuring users can still send basic messages via satellite when cellular networks are unavailable — a safety net in remote areas, during natural disasters, or in other critical situations, setting it apart in its price segment.

 

The A300+ is built on a clear product philosophy, rather than relying on a single headline feature, it combines its key strengths into one complete product story. The rear screen captures attention first, while battery life, durability, and practical usability make the overall value proposition convincing. With the A300+, itel once again demonstrates its commitment to using innovation to meet the needs and desire for novelty among young users in emerging markets.

 

The itel A300+ is available in two variants: the 64GB ROM and 128GB ROM and they are both available in all phone retail stores in Nigeria or via online store HERE

 

 

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DJ Robot ft TMP Offisial & Fateoftheyouth – “NDSM Deluxe” Mixtape

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DJ ROBOT teams up with TMP OFFISIAL and FATEOFTHEYOUTH for NDSM DELUXE, a new DJ mixtape that expands the world of NDSM — No Dey Stress Me into a bigger, more energetic listening experience.

Built around DJ ROBOT’s approach to sequencing, mixing, and controlling energy, NDSM DELUXE transforms the NDSM mindset into a full sonic journey. The mixtape explores nightlife, pressure, temptation, confidence, freedom, desire, and the decision to simply refuse to let life overwhelm you.

Bringing together DJ ROBOT’s DJ-driven vision with the creative energy of TMP OFFISIAL and FATEOFTHEYOUTH, the deluxe edition adds new dimensions to the original NDSM message while maintaining its central philosophy: No Dey Stress Me.

Rather than simply extending the original project, NDSM DELUXE is designed as an experience — moving through different moods, rhythms, and moments while allowing each transition to contribute to the story.

For DJ ROBOT, the project represents an opportunity to communicate through energy as much as words.

“The original NDSM had more energy and stories to explore. I wanted to take the ‘No Dey Stress Me’ mindset beyond the song and turn it into a full DJ experience — something that captures nightlife, freedom, pressure, temptation, and the moments when you simply choose to enjoy yourself and live in the present.”

Listen below;

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N8TAN Announces ‘UPRISING EP’ — A Story of Rising From the Streets to the Top

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Nigerian artist N8TAN is set to unveil his highly anticipated ‘UPRISING EP’, a body of work that chronicles his journey from the streets to the heights of his musical ambition.

Built around themes of struggle, resilience, ambition, survival, and triumph, UPRISING captures the realities of an artist determined to turn adversity into momentum. The project reflects N8TAN’s experiences, the challenges that shaped him, and the relentless drive that continues to push him forward.

More than a collection of songs, UPRISING is presented as a story of transformation—from navigating the streets and confronting uncertainty to finding purpose, embracing growth, and rising toward the top.

With its blend of raw storytelling, infectious energy, and personal perspective, the EP offers listeners an intimate look into N8TAN’s world while reinforcing his determination to carve out his own place in the music industry.

‘UPRISING EP’ is a statement of elevation: a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.

As N8TAN continues to build his musical identity, UPRISING marks another significant chapter in his journey—and an invitation for listeners to rise with him.

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