U-20 FOOTBALL
Morocco stun Brazil to book U-20 World Cup last-16 place
Morocco pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile by defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in Santiago on Wednesday night to secure qualification for the knockout stage.
Othmane Maamma’s stunning scissor kick just after the hour set the Atlas Cubs on their way before Yassir Zabiri’s emphatic finish doubled the advantage.
Brazil captain Iago Teodoro pulled one back deep into stoppage time from the penalty spot, but it was too little too late for Ramon Menezes’ side.
The Atlas Cubs, one of Africa’s four representatives, now sit top of Group C after following up their opening win over Spain with another inspired performance.
Brazil, meanwhile, were left stunned as they failed to win either of their first two group matches for the first time in the tournament’s history.
After a cagey first half in which Brazil saw a penalty overturned by VAR for simulation, Morocco seized control after the interval.
Maamma broke the deadlock on the hour mark with a spectacular scissor kick from Gessime Yassine’s teasing cross.
Sixteen minutes later, Morocco doubled their lead when Zabiri latched onto Yassine’s clever through ball and rifled home with the outside of his boot.
Brazil pulled one back deep into stoppage time as captain Teodoro converted from the spot, but it proved little more than consolation.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Moroccan players and their fans, with the result ensuring they march into the last 16 with a game to spare.
The result means Morocco sit top of Group C with six points after two matches, confirming their progress from a section that also includes Spain and Mexico.
For Brazil, it marks a rare stumble in youth football’s biggest competition, as they failed to win either of their opening two games for the first time in history.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised his young side’s bravery and discipline. “This was not just a victory, it was a statement,” he said.
“We showed that Morocco can compete with the best. The boys played with courage, followed instructions, and fought for every ball. Beating Spain was special, but defeating Brazil gives us even more belief. We will stay humble, but we know we can go far.”
Brazil coach Menezes admitted his side were punished for lapses in concentration.
“This result hurts a lot. We had the chances to finish the match, but football lasts 90, 95, 100 minutes,” Menezes said.
“Games are decided in the details. We conceded the first goal, then the second with a mistake. But we still believe.”
The Atlas Cubs, back in the competition after a 20-year absence, have now defeated two global giants in successive matches, sparking excitement across Africa.
Morocco will face Mexico in their final group match with momentum and confidence on their side.
-CAFonline
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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will be gunning for their first victory at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile when they face Saudi Arabia in their second Group F match on Thursday.
The seven-time African champions are eager to bounce back after a narrow defeat to Norway in their opening fixture on Monday — a game they largely dominated but failed to convert their numerous chances. Despite sustained pressure in the second half, Nigeria were twice denied penalty appeals that could have changed the outcome.
A win over Saudi Arabia would revive the team’s hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 and put them in a strong position ahead of their final group encounter against Colombia on Sunday.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubair expressed confidence that his players have put the disappointment of the Norway loss behind them and are fully focused on securing maximum points in their next outing.
“We have moved on from the first game. The boys know what is at stake and are determined to get the job done against Saudi Arabia,” Zubair said.
With all key players available for selection, the coach is expected to retain his preferred 4-3-3 formation, placing greater emphasis on attack and ball possession.
Meanwhile, Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga, and Charles Agada — all of whom received yellow cards in the opening match — will need to tread carefully to avoid suspension ahead of the crucial clash with Colombia.
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Norway got off to a winning start at the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 victory over Nigeria in their opening Group Stage match on Sunday.
The tightly contested encounter saw both sides create chances, but it was the Europeans who made theirs count midway through a nine-minute penalty kick converted by Rasmus Holten. In what could have been a night of penalty kicks, Nigeria’s two appeal for penalty in the second half were overruled after VAR review.
Nigeria, two-time runners-up at the tournament, pushed hard for an equaliser but were let down by poor finishing and a resolute Norwegian defence.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s team started brightly but gradually lost control in midfield as Norway’s technical play and physical presence took effect. The result leaves Nigeria needing a positive outcome in their next group game to revive qualification hopes.
Norway, making their return to the U-20 World Cup after several years, now top the group temporarily with three points, while Nigeria will aim to bounce back in their next outing.
Both teams will return to action later this week as group-stage battles intensify in the chase for a place in the Round of 16.
Nigeria will take on Saudi Arabia while Norway will play against Colombia on Thursday.
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U-20 FOOTBALL
Flying Eagles Begin World Cup Hunt with Norway Showdown as Class of 2025 eyes Nigeria’s first-ever U-20 world title
Two-time runners-up, Nigeria’s under-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, will begin their quest for a maiden FIFA U-20 World Cup title this Monday when they take on Norway in their opening Group F match at the Estadio Fiscal.
Led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, the seven-time African champions head into the global showpiece with renewed optimism after finishing third at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt — a campaign that also sealed their qualification for the tournament.
The Flying Eagles punched their World Cup ticket by edging defending champions Senegal in a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout before losing narrowly to eventual winners South Africa in the semi-finals. They wrapped up their campaign with a 4–1 shootout victory over hosts Egypt to claim bronze.
Nigeria, making their 14th appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, are still chasing their first crown after falling at the final hurdle in 1989and 2005. At the last edition in Argentina 2023, the team reached the quarter-finals before bowing out to Korea Republic.
The Flying Eagles will play all their group games in Chile’s southern city of Talca. After Monday’s curtain-raiser against Norway, they face Saudi Arabia on October 2 and Colombiaon October 5.
Head coach Zubairu, who took charge in September 2024, has blended experience with emerging talent.
The former El-Kanemi Warriors boss guided the Maiduguri side to Federation Cup glory before accepting the national team job. His tactical discipline and calm leadership have earned him respect across the domestic scene, following earlier stints with Wikki Tourist and Gombe United.
Captain Daniel Bameyi, the team’s inspirational leader, is among the players expected to shine. The 19-year-old defender, already capped three times by the Super Eagles, was named in the Best XI at the U-20 AFCON and is making his second appearance at this level.
Another name drawing attention is Kparobo Arierhi, the teenage striker who recently joined Norwegian top-flight side Lillestrom after a prolific spell at Beyond Limits Academy.
Arierhi’s eye for goal — 22 strikes in 15 games at the NNL level — makes him one of the team’s brightest prospects.
As Zubairu’s young side prepares for Monday’s opener, expectations are high that Nigeria’s “Class of 2025” can finally deliver the elusive U-20 world crown — and rekindle memories of past Flying Eagles teams that came close to global glory.
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