In a historic triumph at the Estadio Nacional Julio MartÃnez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile, Morocco’s U-20 national team clinched their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title with a commanding 2-0 victory over six-time champions Argentina.
Yassir Zabiri emerged as the hero of the night, scoring both goals in the first half. He opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a stunning free-kick that curled past Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi. Just 17 minutes later, Zabiri doubled the lead, finishing a well-placed cross from Othmane Maamma.
Despite Argentina dominating possession with 71%, they struggled to break down Morocco’s disciplined defense. The North Africans remained compact and resilient, with their goalkeeper making crucial saves to preserve the lead. Argentina’s attempts to shift momentum—including early tactical substitutions—proved ineffective against Morocco’s tactical organization and defensive prowess.
This victory marks a watershed moment for African football. Morocco joins Ghana as the only African nations to have won the FIFA U-20 World Cup, with Ghana previously claiming the title in 2009. The win also ends Argentina’s 42-year unbeaten streak in U-20 World Cup finals.
Morocco’s path to glory included knockout victories over South Korea, the United States, and France, showcasing their consistency and resilience throughout the tournament. The triumph adds to the country’s growing football legacy, following the senior team’s semifinal run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
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