Morocco triumph at the 2024 All Africa Challenge Trophy in Agadir
As hosts of the 16th All Africa Challenge Trophy, Morocco swept the team and individual titles.
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Moroccan golf is shining on home soil. From 28 to 30 November, Morocco hosted the 16th edition of the prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) for the first time, at Tazegzout Golf in Agadir. And the verdict was unmistakable: the trophies are staying in the kingdom.
A dominant team victory
Up against 19 other nations, the women's national team of Sofia Chérif Essakali, Rim Imni and Nadia Sanz Ouezzani, led by captain Rajaa Hasnaoui, outclassed the field. With a total score of -7, Morocco beat South Africa, the event's most successful side with 14 wins in 15 editions, by two shots, while Kenya completed the podium.
Under the presidency of Prince Moulay Rachid, this team triumph ushers in a new era for Moroccan golf. The Royal Moroccan Golf Federation (FRMG) welcomed the success, which reflects the rapid rise of the sport in the country.
Sofia Chérif Essakali, the rising star
In the individual event, Sofia Chérif Essakali, billed as a prodigy of Moroccan golf, simply ran away with the competition. Aged just 14 and already an Arab champion, she dominated with impressive consistency, finishing on -12, the best score of the tournament.
From the first round, the Moroccan matched South Africa's Kesha Louw with a card of 69. She then struck hard with a 66 in the second round, thanks to seven birdies, before sealing victory with a closing round of 69. No other player signed for three rounds under par, which firmly establishes her as the breakout talent.
Her main rival, Kesha Louw, finished second on -6, followed by her compatriot Lisa Coetzer (+1).
A promising triumph for Moroccan golf
With these successes, the FRMG hailed a historic performance that opens up new prospects for Moroccan golf and confirms the potential of its young talents.
Following the success of the event, the Federation made a point of thanking the 19 participating nations, the R&A, and the All Africa Challenge Trophy Association for their commitment to women's golf in Africa.
With this victory, Morocco strengthens its leadership on the African golf scene and sets up a bright future for its young stars.
Malick BAMBA