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Moroccan Taekwondo Star Fatima Ezzahra Aboufaras Punches Her Ticket to Paris 2024 Olympics

Monday 12 February 2024 - 09:15

Morocco's taekwondo sensation, Fatima Ezzahra Aboufaras, secured her place at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics this past weekend with a dazzling gold medal performance at the African Taekwondo Championships in Dakar, Senegal.

The former 2018 Youth Olympic champion dominated the +67kg division, clinching victory over Guinea's Ayong Veronica with a 2-0 score in the finals. Aboufaras's clinical display adds another shining chapter to her illustrious career, which began with her triumph at the world junior championships in 2018.

Aboufaras wasn't the sole Moroccan taekwondo athlete to excel in Dakar. A formidable trio of Moroccan fighters also secured their spots at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Ayoub Adouich (-63kg), Rachid Ismaili Alaoui (-80kg), and Rajae Akermach (+65kg) overwhelmed their opponents en route to qualification.

Adouich defeated Senegal's Fam Diene with a commanding score of 20-10, while Ismaili Alaoui emerged victorious over Mali's Samake Adama with a score of 30-25. Akermach capped off the dominant showing by toppling Ghana's Keyrema Patricia with a score of 16-2 in the finals.

While jubilation swept through the Moroccan camp, three other compatriots narrowly missed out on Olympic qualification. Despite showcasing flashes of brilliance, Naoual Laaarif (-47kg), Rahma Rboh (-65kg), and Zakaria Nejjari (-58kg) fell short in their quest for glory.

The exhilarating tournament continues this Sunday, with more Moroccan athletes vying for their place at the Paris Games. The nation's eyes now turn to Nadia Laaraj (-57kg) and Ayoub Bassel (+80kg) as they aim to join their triumphant teammates at the 2024 Olympics.

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