Morocco’s U-20 national team made history on Sunday night, defeating record champions Argentina 2–0 to win their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title.
The final, played at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile, saw the North African side produce a tactical masterclass under coach Mohamed Ouahbi. They became only the second African nation to lift the trophy, following Ghana’s triumph in 2009. SportPremi reports.
How the Final Unfolded
Yassir Zabiri was the hero for Morocco, scoring twice in the opening half to silence the Argentine crowd. His first goal came in the 12th minute from a well-placed free kick, before doubling the lead 17 minutes later with a composed volley inside the box.
Argentina dominated possession (75%) and had 20 total shots, but failed to convert their chances. Morocco, with just 25% possession, were lethal on the counterattack and clinical in front of goal.
Goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis played a crucial role in maintaining Morocco’s lead, making four key saves, including an outstanding stop in the 83rd minute.
Despite Argentina’s late pressure, Morocco’s disciplined defense, led by captain Houssam Essadak, ensured a clean sheet and sealed the historic win.
Morocco Player Ratings and Stats
| PLAYER | RATING | STATS |
|---|---|---|
| Yassir Zabiri | 9.0 | 2 goals, 3 shots, 1 key pass |
| Ibrahim Gomis | 8.0 | 4 saves, 1 clean sheet |
| Othmane Maamma | 7.7 | 1 assist, 2 chances created |
| Houssam Essadak | 7.2 | 5 recoveries, 3 clearances |
| Gessime Yassine | 7.3 | 3 dribbles completed, 2 shots |
| Abdel Byar | 7.6 | 7 clearances, 3 blocks |
| Mehdi Maamar | 7.4 | 2 tackles, 90% pass accuracy |
Yassir Zabiri: Morocco’s Breakout Star
Yassir Zabiri delivered one of the best individual performances of the tournament. The 19-year-old forward ended the World Cup with five goals, finishing as joint top scorer. His finishing, movement, and composure in the final third were key to Morocco’s success.
Zabiri’s brace in the final capped a remarkable tournament where he scored in both the semifinals and the group stage.
Match Stats
| CATEGORY | ARGENTINA U20 | MOROCCO U20 |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Possession | 75% | 25% |
| Total Shots | 20 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 4 |
| Accurate Passes | 423 (90%) | 105 (63%) |
| Corners | 11 | 1 |
| Fouls Committed | 14 | 16 |
African Football on the Rise
With this win, Morocco became only the second African nation to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup after Ghana’s success in 2009.
The victory reflects the continued rise of African football on the global stage, following Morocco’s senior team’s 2022 World Cup semifinal run.
Elsewhere in the competition, Africa’s other representatives had a difficult campaign. Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and South Africa were both eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing to Argentina and Colombia, respectively, while Egypt failed to progress from the group stage.
What’s Next for Morocco’s Golden Generation
This young Moroccan side has already written its name in history. Many of these players are expected to break into the Morocco senior national team in the coming years.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s side not only brought pride to Morocco but also sent a message to the world that African youth football is thriving. The focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum and building a sustainable pathway for players.
