MENA Sports Wrap: Chebbak hat-trick powers Morocco past DR Congo at WAFCON

From Rabat to Riyadh, it's been a high-impact week for sport across the MENA region. In Morocco, captain Ghizlane Chebbak netted a sensational hat-trick to lead the Atlas Lionesses to a 4-2 comeback win over DR Congo at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), keeping their hopes alive for a quarter-final spot.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia launched the Esports World Cup with a record £51.5 million prize pot and 2,000 players competing in 25 tournaments, part of a major push to position the kingdom as a global gaming hub.

Off the pitch, Lionel Messi is reportedly in talks with Saudi club Al-Ahli, a move that could rekindle his long-time rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

Chebbak hat-trick leads Morocco to 4-2 win over DR Congo at WAFCON

Ghizlane Chebbak scored a stunning hat-trick to help hosts Morocco overcome DR Congo 4-2 in a thrilling Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group stage match in Rabat on Wednesday.

Morocco fell behind early when PSG forward Merveille Kanjinga opened the scoring for DR Congo in the sixth minute, capitalising on a defensive error and poor goalkeeping. But the Atlas Lionesses responded with intent, and Chebbak pulled her side level in the 25th minute with a sharp volley inside the area.

The Morocco captain struck again just before the break, finishing from close range after a deflected cross hit the post. DR Congo equalised through Flavine Mawete in the 70th minute, briefly stunning the home crowd.

But Chebbak completed her hat-trick six minutes later, sliding in at the far post to restore Morocco's lead and become the first player to score three goals in a WAFCON finals match since 2018. Yasmin Mrabet converted a late penalty to seal the win.

The result keeps Morocco on track for the quarter-finals, following their opening draw against Zambia, who earlier beat Senegal 3-2. DR Congo, meanwhile, are on the brink of elimination after a second straight defeat.

Morocco will next face Senegal on Saturday, while DR Congo take on Zambia.

Esports World Cup kicks off in Riyadh with record £51.5m prize pool

The Esports World Cup (EWC) has officially begun in Saudi Arabia, bringing together 2,000 players from 200 clubs to compete across 25 tournaments with a record-breaking £51.5 million prize pot.

Hosted in Boulevard City, Riyadh, the event runs until 24 August and features top titles including Call of Duty, League of Legends, and even competitive chess.

Organisers expect more than 2.6 million visitors to attend in person, with games held in custom-built arenas seating up to 2,000 fans.

The tournament is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and boost local employment, with esports promoted as a major growth area. Officials say nearly 70 percent of the Saudi population identify as gamers.

Critics have accused the kingdom of using events like the EWC for "sportswashing", but Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, rejected the label.

"The majority of people who live in this country love games and love sports," he said. "We’re meeting the dreams and ambitions of the people who live here."

Big names are helping broaden the event’s appeal, with Cristiano Ronaldo serving as ambassador and Post Malone performing at a sold-out opening ceremony.

British clubs Fnatic and Wolves are among the teams taking part, alongside at least 54 UK players. Fans worldwide can follow the action via Twitch, YouTube, and influencer livestreams, with side events including cosplay, retro arcades, and anime cafes.

Messi linked to Saudi Arabia move amid uncertainty over Inter Miami future

Lionel Messi is once again being linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with reports suggesting he is in talks with Al-Ahli ahead of next season.

If the deal goes through, it would see Messi join his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr.

Messi, 38, remains under contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2025 but is reportedly considering his options.

French outlet L’Équipe claims Al-Ahli have been in discussions with the Argentine star for several weeks.

Since his arrival at Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has been prolific, scoring 52 goals and assisting 25 in 64 matches.

Despite rejecting a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal last year, a deal that eventually saw Neymar Jr sign with the Saudi club, Messi could now be tempted by a second approach from the Gulf kingdom.

Al-Ahli are hoping to pull off what could be the most high-profile signing in the league’s history, reigniting the legendary Messi-Ronaldo rivalry on Saudi soil.