Latest news with #NorthAfricans
CAF
18 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
Motlhalo's rise to African Penalty Queen
Linda Motlhalo. Elite penalty converter. Spot kick speciliast. Sharpshooter. And on and on and on. One could use all the superlatives to describe South Africa's number 10 over the years when it comes to converting from the spot. The 27-year-old midfielder is the first choice go-to pinpoint scorer for the Banyana Banyana, and she has been perfect over the years since finding the back of the net for the first time at the WAFCON in 2016. An 84th minute goal against Egypt in open play to seal a 5-0 victory over the North Africans to ensure Banyana Banyana booked a place in the semifinals in Limbe, Cameroon was the beginning of her goalscoring count at the WAFCON as an 18-year-old. Teenage sensation to Dependable Executor Calm in chaos is the best way to describe Motlhalo when she steps up to take a penalty for South Africa. Carrying the weight of a nation, the Gauteng born midfield maestro understands the job at hand and has mastered how to rise above the noise to create magic. Motlhalo converted her first penalty at the WAFCON in the 2018 edition in Ghana at the age of 20 when she was the first to find the back of the net in an impressive 7-1 win over two-time African champions Equatorial Guinea at the group stage level to open the floodgates for her teammates. The win sent Banyana Banyana to the semifinals as Group B leaders. But tables turned. At the same edition, Motlhalo took to the coveted spot and missed a deciding penalty that could have won South Africa their first TotalEnergies WAFCON title. A final against their biggest archrivals Nigeria. The stage had been set. Prior to that moment, South Africa had been to the final thrice and had lost all of them - to Nigeria in 2000 and to Equatorial Guinea twice in 2008 and 2012. In Ghana once again against Nigeria, revenge would have been perfect for the Banyana Banyana but alas! 'I think when it comes to penalties, I will take it back to 2018 when we played against Nigeria in the final. I took a deciding penalty, and I missed it. Obviously, had I scored, we would have won the WAFCON. It was a deciding thing for me. I know how it feels when one misses a penalty. I went back home and I was practicing a lot because I didn't want that feeling anymore,' Motlhalo opens up on what changed her approach to penalties. The scars of that final changed the trajectory of South Africa's preparations for the WAFCON going forward. They went on to defeat Nigeria in the next two editions in their opening games at the WAFCON. In 2018, they won thanks to a Thembi Kgatlana lone goal that did the job. Four years later, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia netted in a 2-1 victory over the Super Falcons to further emphasize that South Africa had found their mojo against the now nine-time record African champions. They deserved to sit on the high table of African Football. Once beaten, twice shy Sleek on and off the field, Motlhalo is naturally a go-getter. Born into a football family with her father taking up coaching and her uncle Joseph Motlhalo playing as a goalkeeper for South African giants Kaizer Chiefs between 1970 and 1985, Motlhalo was destined to play football. 'I grew up in a family that was football oriented. My Dad was a coach, and I think at the age of six when my Dad used to go coach the boys, he would just give me a ball, and I would juggle it. I think that's when he realized that this is what makes me happy. And that's how it started. When I play football, I forget my problems. It is my joy. It is my happiness,' she reveals. Her passion of playing football has seen her travel across the world playing at major tournaments for South Africa including the Rio 2016 Olympics, two World Cups in 2019 in France and 2023 in Australia and New Zealand. Her professional journey at club level started in the NWSL – the American topflight league for Houston Dash in 2018 before playing in Beijing, China the following year. She then joined Djurgården in Sweden, Glasgow City in Scotland, Racing Louisville in the NWSL before returning to Glasgow City in 2025. 'I always practice penalties at club level as well as on the national team,' Motlhalo says with strong affirmation on her face. This experience continued to give her confidence as she grew in leaps and bounds from the spot. At the WAFCON in 2022, Motlhalo netted twice from the penalty spot – one against Burundi in the group stages in a 3-1 victory that booked Banyana Banyana's place in the quarterfinals. They edged Tunisia 1-0 to progress to the semifinals where they met a stubborn Zambia side. Once again, Motlhalo made no mistake. From the way she placed the ball on the spot to how she looked at goalkeeper Hazel Nali as if to check the pupils in her eyes to the way that she stepped back, assessed her angle, Motlhalo knew that this one was going straight in. And just like that, in the 94th minute, she slotted the ball to earn South Africa a crucial victory that earned them a place in the final that they went on to win 2-1 against hosts Morocco. 'Zambia! I remember one of my teammates asking me, 'Are you taking it?' I didn't even respond to it. I kept praying, praying and I felt that my knees were shaking. I don't know how I did it, but I was nervous. But I am glad that it went in. Pressure is a privilege for me.' On to the Promised Land With the confidence of finally winning the WAFCON in 2022, Motlhalo is now writing history. A reminder that success comes to those who prepare for it and decide to face fear in the face. For Motlhalo, the confidence she gets from her teammates gives her superpowers. 'We have been practicing penalties, and it really shows. We feed off each other. It's mind games when it comes to penalties. Andile [Dlamini] (South Africa's goalkeeper) does not make it easy for us in training. To a point where I didn't feel pressure anymore. It's more like a moment that happens during the game, and I need to cherish it. So, every time that I am faced with pressure, I take it as, 'I need to be as calm as possible.' I just do what I have been doing in training.' 'I was always reminded by people that had you not missed. We would have been champions. I like being criticised because if I am not being criticized, I get worried because it means that people care. So, I took that in a positive way, and I made it work,' she emphasizes. At the ongoing TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 in Morocco, Motlhalo started from where she had left off in the past editions. In her usual routine, deliberate from the onset, she put one past Ghanaian custodian Cynthia Konlan to open the scoring for South Africa in this year's edition. The Banyana Banyana went on to win 2-0 against the three-time WAFCON finalists. 'I think I was calmer. Also, it was the thing that, I know I am going to take it. Even the team saying, no one is going to take it but Linda. That on its own gives me confidence as well. I think for me the important thing was being calm,' Motlhalo reminscences. On Tuesday, July 22 in a highly contested encounter between South Africa and Nigeria, Motlhalo once again stood tall. Trailing 0-1 to the Super Falcons at the halftime break, South Africa needed something, anything. And just like that, when Magaia was brought down in the 18-yard box, Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda pointed to the spot. Banyana Banyana captain Refiloe Jane picked up the ball, held onto it as all the players tuned their mindsets to that moment. Meanwhile, Motlhalo stood back, observing everything that was happening in front of her and calculating where to put the ball. Effectively, she became the first and only player to score past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who had until the semifinals kept four clean sheets at the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024 when she equalized against the Super Falcons. Michelle Alozie found the back of the net in the 94th minute to shutter South Africa's dreams of defending their title but for Motlhalo and her teammates, they will head home knowing that they gave their all in a heavily contested matchup against the continent's crème de la crème. Six WAFCON goals – five of them penalties in three editions has earned Motlhalo the title – African Penalty Queen. A title that is not necessarily consolation for their elimination from the title race but one that sets her apart from the crowd.
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Spain Calls for United Action Amid Spike in Online Hate Against North Africans
Rabat – Spain has launched an appeal calling for a united action to end the threat to social cohesion amid hate speech targeting North Africans, particularly Moroccans. The disturbing wave of violence against North Africans, including Moroccans, has been ongoing since last week in Torre Pacheco in southeastern Spain, after an isolated assault against a Spanish retiree. The Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia, under the Ministry of Inclusion, published a June monthly report, monitoring hate speech on social media. The report said that the AI-based system FARO detected over 54,000 instances of hate speech during this period, noting a 12-point increase in hate messages targeting people from North Africa. This shows an increase from 69% in May to 81% in June of all reported content, noting that the wave of hostility coincides with various sociopolitical and sporting events like riots following the Champions League final. Minister of Inclusion Elma Saiz described the use of violence and coded language as dehumanization, recalling the intention to expel vulnerable communities, adding that similar acts are intolerable forms of discrimination. 'We cannot allow hatred to become normalized in a free and democratic society like Spain,' she said. The report highlighted that 56% of the detected content involves dehumanization, while 22% falsely associates the targeted groups with public insecurity, and 14% directly incite their expulsion. The Spanish government cited a partnership between the Ministry of Inclusion and LaLiga, enabling the use of the FARO system. Despite the tool, only 29% of the reported posts were removed by platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. In July, meanwhile, platforms removed only 8% of reported content from users. 'We need more proactive collaboration from digital platforms,' Saiz said, noting that the response cannot rely on chance or goodwill. 'All platforms must take responsibility for a real and growing threat to social cohesion,' she concluded. Several reports highlighted how parties, including far-right groups, fuel tension and anti-migrant hate as well as Islamophobia. A report by OHCHR said that political leaders 'who only openly use Islamophobia in their public discourses usually belong to far-right Vox or right-wing PP.' Xenophobic hate speech against North African migrants and, more specifically, against migrant unaccompanied minors is mostly used as a political tool by the far-right, it concluded. Tags: African MigrantsMoroccan migrants
DW
6 days ago
- DW
Fact check: Misinformation fuels anti-migrant riots in Spain – DW – 07/18/2025
The assault of an elderly man in the town of Torre Pacheco sparked outrage and racist riots for several nights. False claims and misleading videos spread online soon after — and exacerbated the tensions. Several days of unrest in the town of Torre Pacheco, near Murcia, have highlighted rising tensions over migration in Spain. Sixty-eight-year-old pensioner Domingo Tomas Martinez had said he was beaten up by migrants on July 9. The motive of the attack was not immediately clear. But it was followed by several nights of riots and violent protests . Far-right groups posted xenophobic messages on social media, calling for people to "hunt down"migrants. This further escalated tensions. Torre Pacheco is a coastal Spanish town of nearly 40,000 people, and a third of its populationconsists of migrants, according to local government data. Police claim that by now peace has been largely restored in the city after the attack. But this is another example of how misinformation can ignite emotions. A video showing an elderly man being assaulted by unidentified persons heightened tensions. The video was widely shared on different social media platforms, it appeared for instance on Facebookand X. Claim: This X postwith the video, from July 10, states: "A video has been leaked of a brutal attack on an elderly man by North Africans in Torre-Pacheco, Murcia." The post comes from a user with a gold checkmark on their X account, indicating that the account belongs to an official organization through verified organizations. Other accounts also shared the video claiming it showed the attack on Martinez. DW Fact Check: False The video is not from Torre Pacheco. It is related to an incident that took place nearly two months ago and was filmed in the city of Almeria, more than 200 kilometers away. The person seen in the video is Jose Moya. After the video went viral in July, Moya posted his statementon Instagram clarifying that the person seen in the viral video is, in fact, him. Local media outlets interviewedhim after the viral video sparked social media outrage against migrants. Moya also showed the T-shirt and trousers on Instagram that he wore on the day of the attack. Calling for justice, he said, "The one in the video is me. I'm having a hard time making this video because I'm so nervous. But they are getting confused. And what I want to say is that I ask for justice for everything they have done to me and for the old man. The old man is a man from Murcia, and I am from Almeria. I was the one who was beaten." He explained that two people attacked him while more were present. He said they asked him for tobacco, and when he replied that he didn't have any, "They got into a fight with me (…). They cut my head open, broke three ribs, and left me there unconscious." He claimed the attackers were Spanish, and not migrants. DW Fact Check could confirm the scene in the video was filmed in Almeria, as claimed by Jose Moya in his Instagram post. He also showed a picture of the location taken after the incident, which is included in his video statement. We geo-located it near the Centro Periferico de Especialidades (Bola Azul) hospital. The footage matches details such as a row of trees, graffiti, and similar ground. Domingo Tomas Martinez, the man beaten up in Torre Pacheco, has also confirmed that he is not in the video that went viral. He spoke to severalmedia outletsfollowing the incident, where he appeared with red eyes and other marks of assault. Similar misleading posts emerged following the case in Murcia, many targeting migrants and Muslims. Here are two examples: Claim: This poston X claims that Torre Pacheco's local police were attacked by migrants and that the Civil Guard did not intervene: "The Torre Pacheco Local Police, overwhelmed by the mob of broccoli-haired people." DW Fact Check: False This incident took place in Torrevieja, about 40 kilometers from Torre Pacheco. Police officers were attacked by several individuals of migrant background there, reported multiple local media outlets. DW verified and identified the locationof the video. Claim: Another postclaimed a "ham protest" was organized to respond to the Torre Pacheco incident. The caption reads, "Torre Pacheco wakes up early. The residents are organizing for the final counter attack." DW fact check: False This video is unrelated. It was first postedin November 2024 on X by a user saying it was an attempt to set a world record for the largest plate of ham. The video was filmed in Huelva and has been viewed more than 2.4 million times since then. Misinformation isn't just a harmless mistake: It can spark violence, fuel hatred, and put lives at risk, as seen in Torre Pacheco: False claims on social media led to further escalations and deep divisions in the community. Before sharing a post, pause and verify the facts. A single misleading video can ignite real world chaos. Check sources, consult fact-checks, and think critically. Stopping the spread of misinformation starts with each one of us. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Spain rocked by 'migrant riots' as far-right groups clash with North Africans
Five people were hurt and one was arrested during the unrest in the town on Saturday, according to local officials. The town was quieter on Sunday, but government sources said more arrests were expected. A southeastern Spanish town was rocked by violent clashes between far-right activists and North Africans on Saturday night. This incident, one of the most severe in recent decades, follows an attack on an elderly man earlier in the week. The pensioner was assaulted while strolling down a street in Torre-Pacheco by unidentified attackers during a time of heightened tension between members of the far-right and migrant groups in Spain. He sustained multiple injuries and is said to be recuperating from his horrifying experience at home. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and no arrests have been made in relation to the assault. Five individuals were injured and one person was arrested during Saturday's disturbance, as per local authorities. The town was calmer on Sunday, but government sources anticipate further arrests. Social media videos depict men clad in far-right emblem attire and migrants waving Moroccan flags throwing objects at each other. Another video captures a man being tackled to the ground and beaten by an individual in a white T-shirt, reports the Express. This eruption of violence comes after several days of escalating tensions and minor disturbances. Mariola Guevara, the central government's representative in the region, informed Spanish public TV that the attack is under investigation. She condemned "hate speech" and "incitement to violence," as far-right groups descended on the town. The official also pledged to deploy additional Guardia Civil officers to the town to quell the unrest. According to local government data, nearly a third of Torre-Pacheco's residents hail from abroad. A significant number of migrants are employed as day labourers in the agricultural sector in areas surrounding the town, situated in the Murcia region. Recently, the Murcia government had to retract a proposal to purchase housing for unaccompanied migrant minors, following opposition from the far-right Vox party.
CAF
14-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Botswana leave it late to down Tunisia in WAFCON Group B thriller
Published: Sunday, 13 July 2025 Botswana struck a dramatic injury-time winner to edge Tunisia 2-1 in Casablanca on Sunday, but have to wait to discover if they have progressed to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025. Despite the late heroics from Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, the Mares' hopes of a top-two finish were dashed as Nigeria and Algeria played out a goalless draw in the group's other game, ensuring both advanced. With both Botswana and Tunisia knowing only a win could offer any hope of reaching the last eight, the game at Stade Père Jégo began with urgency. Tunisia broke the deadlock early through Yesmin Khanchouch, who capitalised on a loose ball in the box to finish calmly and hand the Carthage Eagles a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute — their first goal of the tournament. Botswana responded with sustained pressure in the second half, and their efforts were rewarded when Lesego Radiakanyo drilled home the equaliser from close range in the 66th minute following a neat layoff from Mokgabo Thanda. The final stages were frantic as both sides chased a decisive goal. Tunisia pushed forward in numbers, with Sabrine Ellouzi and Samia Aouni both testing goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja, who stood firm throughout. At the other end, Refilwe Tholakele's pace on the break caused problems for the North Africans. As the match ticked into stoppage time, Botswana snatched the winner in the 95th minute. Tholakele surged down the right and whipped in a dangerous cross that Ontlametse met with precision, steering the ball past Soulayma Jebrani and sparking wild celebrations on the Botswana bench. However, the joy was short-lived. With Nigeria and Algeria sharing the spoils in a 0-0 draw, Botswana's tally of three points proved insufficient to break into the top two, leaving them third in Group B and have to wait to see if they have secured one of the best third placed teams. Tunisia, who ended bottom of the group with just a solitary point, exit the competition without a win, continuing their struggle to make a lasting impact on the continental stage.
