The guests opened the scoring through Azzeddine Belaid (45th), before FUS striker James Ajako scored the equalizer in the 84th minute.
   The return game is scheduled for next Sunday in Algeria.
   The other representative of Morocco in this CAF Confederation CUP, Renaissance Berkane had drawn away 1-1 to Nigeria’ Bendel Insurance (2-2).

   "Our forward Zakaria Aboukhlal will be sidelined for several months,” the French Ligue 1 team said in a social media post. 
   “New tests will be carried out which will reveal more about the nature of the injury and the exact length of his absence,” the same source added.
   Following this injury, Zakaria Aboukhlal will not make the trip to Lens, for the 6th day of Ligue 1, on Sunday.
 

In accordance with the High Instructions of HM King Mohammed VI, the ministry has been heavily involved, initially, in the assessment of the possible risks that damaged historical sites could generate on the population, and then in the protection of these monuments, Bensaid told the press following a field visit to several sites in Marrakech, Al Haouz and Ouarzazate.

Bahia and El Badii Palaces have not suffered major damage and should, therefore, ensure a visitor capacity of 50%, Bensaid pointed out, adding that the Tinmel mosque suffered great damage and major efforts are underway in cooperation with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and local authorities to restore the mosque.

All sectors and departments endeavor to make sure that the quake-affected areas return to normal, Bensaïd stressed, hailing the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance of Moroccans who have been strongly mobilized behind HM King Mohammed VI during this difficult ordeal.

   The minister, who chaired the 8th session of the Board of Directors of the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA), noted that that the mortality rate by category is positively evolving, with the exception of two-wheel users, for whom collective measures shall be taken to protect this category.

   The number of deaths among this vulnerable category of road users increased by 31.1% between 2015 (reference year) and 2022, the minister said in a press release by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

   In this regard, Abdeljalil underlined the importance of stepping up the implementation of the “Safe Moto” integrated plan, which provides for a set of measures aimed at strengthening road safety for the different two-wheel categories, in particular the wearing of protective helmets and compliance with the highway code.

   During this meeting, the structuring projects carried out by NARSA in 2022 were presented, in particular the 2022-2024 national control plan, the participation in the implementation of regional road safety committees, the creation of the road safety school certificate, the organization of training workshops in the use of the reference guide for road developments in urban areas, the continued implementation of the renewal of the road transport fleet and the professional training program for professional drivers,  the commissioning of the first batch of new-generation fixed radars, the communication and awareness-raising integrated plan, and the acceleration of digital transformation.

An agreement aimed at granting this aid to the targeted population was signed between the ministerial departments concerned and Caisse de dépôt et de gestion (CDG), said Lekjaa who made a presentation at a joint meeting of the finance committees in the two Houses of Parliament, dedicated to following-up the measures taken by the government to deal with the impact of the earthquake that struck several provinces of the Kingdom, adding that a budget of 30,000 dirhams ($ 2920) will be allocated to each family over a period of 12 months.

In this regard, he recalled that the program for reconstruction and general upgrading of the regions affected by the earthquake, whose overall forecast budget is estimated at 120 billion dirhams ($ 12 billion), and which was presented during a working session chaired by HM King Mohammed VI, on Wednesday at the Royal Palace in Rabat, is structured around four main components: rehousing affected people, reconstructing houses and rehabilitating infrastructure; opening up and upgrading territories; accelerating reduction of social deficits, particularly in mountainous areas affected by the earthquake; and promoting economic activity and employment as well as encouraging local initiatives.

This program, he pointed out, is based on two fundamental pillars, the first of which concerns the reconstruction of houses and the upgrading of infrastructure affected by the earthquake, while the second is related to the development of an ambitious and integrated plan for the development of the High Atlas regions, through structuring projects.

As part of the first pillar, the minister stressed that a budget of 22 billion dirhams ($ 2.15 billion) will be allocated, of which 8 billion dirhams will be devoted to the emergency aid to families and financial aid for reconstructing and upgrading houses that were totally or partially damaged, while 14 billion dirhams will be used to open up the earthquake-stricken areas, rehabilitate dams and water stations damaged by the earthquake as well as health centers and educational facilities, relaunch local economy and preserve cultural heritage and religious buildings.

At a cost of 98 billion dirhams ($ 9.5 billion), the second pillar concerns the development of infrastructure and the promotion of agricultural and tourist activities in these provinces, support for the emergence of integrated rural centers and he rehabilitation of cities and ancient towns, as well as as strengthening the quality of public services, notably markets, bus stations and slaughterhouses.

Regarding governance, Lekjaa said that an agency will be created to ensure the effective implementation of this program, noting that this agency, which will operate for a determined period, will monitor the payment of financial aid, the implementation of reconstruction, rehabilitation and socio-economic development projects, as well as coordination between the different sectors and stakeholders concerned.

According to the presentation, made in the presence of the Speakers of the two Houses of Parliament, Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesman and representatives of political parties represented in Parliament, the number of municipalities affected by the earthquake reached 163, representing 68% of the overall number of municipalities in the affected areas, while the number of affected villages reached 2,930, with a population of 2.8 million people.

The number of damaged buildings reached 59,674, of which 32% were completely destroyed.

In a press release issued following this meeting, the majority presidency highly praised the wisdom and foresight of HM King Mohammed VI, in the effective and immediate management of the impact of the earthquake that struck several regions of the Kingdom, as well as the Sovereign's multidimensional vision implemented by the launch of a large-scale program to manage the earthquake impact, covering the support of affected families, the reconstruction of homes, the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, the opening up and rehabilitation of territories as well as the promotion of social and economic development in targeted areas.

The majority presidency also expressed the full mobilization of all ministerial departments and services, as well as its proactive commitment to the implementation of this emergency program, in a spirit of convergence, complementarity, efficiency and good governance of the various components of this program, with a view to rehousing and assisting the affected populations, and launching local development programs.

Majority leaders also expressed their high regard for the momentum of national mobilization and symbiosis behind HM the King demonstrated by all Moroccans, in Morocco and abroad, as well as the spirit of solidarity, mutual aid and sacrifice with which the quake victims were surrounded, which reflects the authentic Moroccan values of the Moroccan people, congratulating the components of civil society for their efforts to alleviate the suffering of the victims.

They also praised the major role of the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, National Police, Auxiliary Forces, Civil Protection, territorial authorities, health personnel and various technical services for their effective interventions in this difficult ordeal, as well as the support and assistance provided by the rescue teams from brotherly and friendly countries.

They also expressed their great consideration for the congratulations expressed by a number of countries, regional organizations and international observers for the high competence of the Kingdom in managing the earthquake impact, stressing that "some discordant foreign voices having tried to exploit this catastrophe for political purposes have only promoted the cohesion, unity and solidarity of our home front".

The majority presidency also expressed its determination to continue and strengthen coordination and common action during the new parliamentary session. They particularly insisted on the immediate processing of various issues that concern government action, the rapid implementation of the various Royal Instructions, as well as the continued implementation of the government program.

In a statement to MAP, president of the Lagon Dakhla Association for the development of sport and culture, said that this year's event once again confirmed the city of Dakhla's reputation as a key destination for kitesurfing and wingfoil, both of which are Olympic sports.

She noted that the presence of over 70 internationally renowned participants from several countries reflected the enthusiasm for the city of Dakhla and its cultural and tourist features.

The 13th Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Kitesurfing World Cup 2023, organized from September 22 to October 02, will bring together 39 athletes (26 men and 13 women) in Strapless kitesurfing.

The 2nd GWA Wingfoil World Cup will also be held in Foum Labouir, with the participation of 36 competitors (26 men and 10 women).

The suspects, whose ages range from 34 to 48, were caught in the act in a rural area near the town of Skhirat. They were preparing for an irregular immigration operation by sea, intending to assist 14 would-be immigrants who were arrested at a farm in the same vicinity where they were temporarily residing.

The four suspects have been taken into police custody, while the potential migrants are undergoing a judicial investigation, supervised by the relevant public prosecutor's office, to clarify the details of this case and identify any possible connections or ramifications.
 

These destinations are in demand again, Baitas said at a press briefing following the weekly cabinet meeting, recalling that the Kingdom will host a major event in early October.

In this regard, the minister underlined that by capitalizing on tourism, the government has made the right choice, emphasizing the important contribution of this sector to the recovery of the national economy.

Baitas also recalled the efforts made by the government to support economy during the Covid-19 pandemic and in particular the tourism sector, noting that this sector is promising, particularly during the post-Covid-19 period.

He stressed that the government is working to support the tourism sector, due to its significant contribution to GDP and the creation of job opportunities, adding that the government's support for air transport and tourism sectors will have a positive impact on the national economy.

On Thursday, the MASI had closed with a loss of 0.02%.