U20 FOOTBALL
U-20 Afcon 3rd Place Battle: As it was before the tournament, so it will be on the final day
Before the Egypt 2025 Africa Cup of Nations began, hosts Egypt and former champions may have hoped to contest the title match as both clashed in a friendly encounter.
But this Sunday, they meet again. Not for the title, but in a third-place classification encounter.
In their previous clash, Nigeria won 2-0. Both teams were rated by pundits to emerge from their semi-final clashes, but the result went the other way and they are now due to play the losers’ final at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in downtown Cairo.
Morocco and South Africa will tango in a repeat of the 1997 Final, which the Atlas Cubs won 1-0 in Meknes.
It is the fifth time that Nigeria, who won the title in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015 will be playing for the bronze medals.
For Egypt, it will be the fourth time. Both have won the bronze medals three times previously.
Also, both Nigeria and Egypt contested the 2005 Final in Cotonou, with the Flying Eagles coming out top following a 2-0 win. Isaac Promise (of blessed memory) scored both goals.
As hosts in 1995, after losing their semi final tie to Cameroon in Kaduna, the Flying Eagles defeated Mali 1-0 in Lagos to pick up the bronze medals.
In 2009 in Rwanda, the team led by Haruna Lukman defeated South Africa’s Amajita 2-1 to place third in the competition.
In 2013, in Algeria, the Flying Eagles defeated Mali 2-1 to finish third after losing 0-2 to Egypt in their semi final clash at the Stade Omar Oucief in Aïn Témounchent.
Six years ago, following a penalty-shootout defeat to Mali in the semi finals, the Flying Eagles again lost on penalty shootout to South Africa in the third-place match.
Egypt’s first African U20 title was in 1981 (when the competition was played on home-and-away basis), after they defeated Cameroon 3-1 on aggregate.
Both teams travelled to Australia to represent Africa at the FIFA World Youth Championship (now known as FIFA U20 World Cup). Cameroon had earlier beaten Nigeria 4-2 on aggregate in the penultimate round.
The Young Pharaohs won their second title at the inaugural tournament-format finals, which Egypt hosted and which involved six countries, in 1991.
Their third title came 12 years later in Burkina Faso, when they defeated Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 after extra time at the Stade 4 August in Ouagadougou.
Egypt won their fourth title 10 years later. Ghana, the 1999 world champions, were the victims.
Regulation and extra time finished 1-1 at the Stade Ahmed Zabana in Oran, before the Young Pharaohs claimed the gong after winning the penalty shootout 5-4.
Nigeria’s first participation in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations was in 1979, when the team led by Sylvanus Okpala lost 1-2 on aggregate (0-1 in Conakry and 1-1 in Lagos) to Guinea and thus failed to qualify for the second edition of the global finals staged by Japan.
The Young Pharaohs, who lost by the odd goal to North African rivals Morocco in the second semi-final on Thursday, have also won the third-place match at the competition thrice previously.
They defeated Ethiopia on two occasions, 3-0 in Mauritius in 1993 and 2-0 when Ethiopia hosted eight years later. Their third win came in South Africa in 2011, when they defeated Mali’s Aiglons.
Nigeria and Egypt clashed in a group stage game two years ago, with the Flying Eagles victorious following Solomon Agbalaka’s powerful first-half header.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu may ring changes in the squad for Sunday’s game. The gaffer voiced his disappointment with the playing body following Thursday’s defeat to the Amajita.
Injured first-choice goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt is still under observation and would need a second assessment at Saturday night’s official training, to determine if he will be fit to return to the battlefield. Captain Daniel Bameyi, Odinaka Okoro, Adamu Maigari and Emmanuel Chukwu are the probables for rearguard.
Israel Ayuma has had an impressive tournament and should start in midfield, alongside any two among Sulyman Alabi, Simon Cletus, Divine Oliseh and Auwal Ibrahim. Clinton Jephta, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, Bidemi Amole, Precious Benjamin and Mendos Rickson are available for selection in the forward-line.
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U20 FOOTBALL
On the King’s orders, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over a ceremony honoring the Atlas Lion Cubs
Upon the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided, on Wednesday at the Royal Palace in Rabat, over a ceremony offered by the Sovereign in honor of the members of the national under-20 football team, following their triumph at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Chile.
On this occasion, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, the national team coach, Mr. Mohamed Ouahbi, and the members of the national team, before posing for a commemorative photo.
A tea ceremony was then held in honor of the members of the U-20 national team.
This reception illustrates the High Solicitude with which His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, continues to surround Moroccan youth, supporting their development through sports, and reflects the special interest that the Sovereign devotes to this sector in general and to football in particular.
It follows the historic achievement of the national under-20 team, which won this world title — the first of its kind in the history of Moroccan and Arab football.
This triumph is fully in line with the enlightened and forward-looking vision of His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, who has elevated national sports training to the highest international standards, notably through the Mohammed VI Football Academy — a true cradle of young Moroccan talent. It also represents a deep source of pride for the entire Nation and highlights, with brilliance, the values of effort, perseverance, and hard work that pave the way to success and excellence.
Following the victory of the Atlas Cubs against the Argentine team in the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, sent a message of congratulations to the members of the national team, in which the Sovereign emphasized that the Moroccan team had honorably represented its country and its youth, as well as the African continent, with dignity and pride.
-MAP
The streets of Rabat were awash in red and green on Wednesday night as tens of thousands of Moroccans poured out to celebrate their national under-20 football team’s historic triumph at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile — the first world title ever won by a Moroccan or Arab national team.
The festivities followed a royal reception at the Royal Palace in Rabat, held on the high instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and presided over by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan.
The Crown Prince warmly received the victorious Atlas Cubs alongside Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
A traditional tea ceremony was held in their honor, symbolizing the Monarch’s deep support for Moroccan youth and his personal commitment to the country’s sporting excellence.
A Royal Celebration, a National Pride
The ceremony reflected the King’s long-standing vision for Moroccan sports — a vision embodied by the Mohammed VI Football Academy, whose world-class training programs have produced many of the young talents now hailed as world champions.
In a message of congratulations, King Mohammed VI praised the team for “honoring their country and the African continent with dignity and determination.”
After the reception, the champions boarded an open-top bus for a grand victory parade through Rabat’s main thoroughfares, including the iconic Avenue Mohammed V.
As the bus rolled through the capital toward Salé, chants of “Dima Maghrib!” (“Forever Morocco!”) echoed from every corner.
Children hoisted flags, families waved scarves, and strangers embraced in tears of joy as the bus carrying the young heroes made its way through a sea of ecstatic supporters.
Voices from the Street
For many Moroccans, this moment represented far more than just a football victory — it was a symbol of national pride, unity, and aspiration.
“This is a great day for the youth of our country,” said Abdelhak, one of the fans who gathered along the parade route. “These boys have shown that with perseverance, Morocco can beat the best from Latin America, Europe, and Asia.”
Another supporter, Salma, praised King Mohammed VI for his investment in Moroccan football: “This win is a result of years of planning and support from the King. We are proud, we are united — Dima Maghrib!”
The celebrations drew fans from across the world, including Ayman, who flew in from France just to witness the parade. “I couldn’t miss this moment. It’s history,” he said. “Now we want the Atlas Lions to win AFCON in December — this is just the beginning.”
A Victory Beyond Borders
The jubilant scenes in Rabat reverberated far beyond Morocco. On social media, the parade trended globally as fans and international media joined in the celebration. French outlets ActuFoot, Foot Mercato, and Onze Mondial hailed the young Atlas Lions, describing them as a “golden generation” and “the pride of Africa.”
Across platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok, Moroccan users shared emotional tributes and clips from the parade, filling timelines with red and green hearts and patriotic chants. “A dream come true,” one post read. “Always Morocco.”
Looking Ahead: Morocco’s Football Renaissance
With the country set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December, many believe the U-20 triumph signals a new era for Moroccan football.
“This is not just a celebration of victory,” said a sports commentator on national TV. “It’s the fruit of a vision — a foundation for sustained excellence. What we’re witnessing is Morocco’s football renaissance.”
As fireworks lit up the Rabat skyline late into the night, one message echoed everywhere — from the palace courtyards to the city streets and across the digital world: Morocco has arrived on the world stage, and its football future burns bright.
“If this is the future,” wrote one fan online, “then AFCON is ours.”
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By Kunle Solaja.
In a night painted red and green under the dazzling Santiago lights, Morocco carved their name into football’s golden history books, stunning six-time champions Argentina 2–0 to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025. It was not just a victory — it was poetry, passion, and pride, beautifully woven into ninety unforgettable minutes at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos.
For Mohamed Ouahbi and his fearless Atlas Cubs, this was destiny fulfilled. Forty-eight years after Morocco first graced the inaugural U-20 World Cup, the North Africans have finally ascended football’s youth summit, becoming only the second African nation — after Ghana’s golden generation in 2009 — to conquer the world at this level.
The Night Zabiri Shone Brightest
If Morocco’s triumph had a heartbeat, it pulsed in the boots of Yassir Zabiri. The elegant forward, all composure and creativity, turned the final into a personal stage. His genius lit up Santiago from the 13th minute when, after being clattered by Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi on a breakaway, he rose to curl the ensuing free-kick into the top corner — a goal of artistry and audacity that will be replayed for years in Moroccan football folklore.
That was just the overture. Argentina, the tournament’s darlings and serial winners, pushed forward with their trademark intensity, but Morocco’s counterattack carried a lethal rhythm. Ismael Baouf, imperious in midfield, intercepted a pass and released Othmane Maamma down the flank. His whipped cross found Zabiri, who volleyed home with thunderous precision.
Two goals up. One continent roaring.
A Final of Grit and Glory
From there, the Atlas Cubs defended like lions. Baouf marshalled the midfield, while Fouad Zahouani and captain Oussama Co turned every Argentine advance into frustration. Goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis, calm and commanding, barely broke a sweat as Argentina’s famed forwards were reduced to long-range hopefuls.
On the stroke of halftime, Argentina’s Mateo Silvetti nearly pulled one back, his shot skimming past the post, but Morocco immediately responded — Maamma cutting inside and firing goalward, only for Juan Villalba’s desperate clearance to deny a third.
The second half brought wave after wave of Argentine possession, but it was Morocco’s discipline, not desperation, that defined the contest. Zabiri’s artistry continued to trouble the South Americans, his curling effort from outside the box narrowly missing. Substitute Ian Subiabre’s late miss summed up Argentina’s evening — plenty of promise, no precision.
When the final whistle sounded, Morocco’s bench erupted in tears and triumph. The players danced, draped in flags, as Ouahbi embraced his staff. From Rabat to Casablanca, from Fez to Marrakesh, the celebrations had already begun.
A New Dawn for African Football
Morocco’s triumph carried echoes of Ghana’s 2009 success — another African nation that defied the odds and the hierarchy of football. But this victory felt uniquely Moroccan: disciplined, artistic, and deeply symbolic.
It also shattered a long-standing record. No team had beaten Argentina in a FIFA U-20 World Cup final for 42 years — not since Brazil’s Dunga and Bebeto-led side triumphed in 1983. Since then, Argentina had bested Brazil, Uruguay, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Czech Republic to lift six titles. Until now.
Legacy of a Golden Generation
For Yassir Zabiri, whose two goals will live forever in Moroccan hearts, the night crowned him the face of a new generation. For coach Mohamed Ouahbi, it was vindication — proof that Moroccan youth football, long respected across Africa, can now rule the world.
“This victory belongs to every Moroccan child who dreams with a football at his feet,” Ouahbi declared, his voice trembling amid the confetti storm. “We came here as students. We leave as champions.”
And so, on a cool Chilean night, Morocco’s Atlas Cubs roared the loudest. From the sands of the Sahara to the shores of the Atlantic, a new story of African brilliance has been written — and it begins, gloriously, in Santiago.
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