Morocco Edge Kenya 3-2 in AFCON U20 Opener
Cairo - Morocco’s U20 team began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Kenya on Thursday in Group B’s opening match at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.
Kenya struck first in the 16th minute when Lawrence Okoth headed in a well-placed free kick, but Morocco responded with pressure throughout the half. Yassir Zabiri netted the equalizer in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on sustained Moroccan dominance late in the period.
Zabiri added a second shortly after the break with a header off an Othmane Maamma cross. Despite missing further chances—including a shot off the post by Saad El Hadad—Morocco conceded a 70th-minute equalizer to Hassan Kitaso after Zabiri left the field injured.
The Atlas Lions regained the lead late through Reda Laalaoui, again assisted by the lively Maamma. A missed penalty from Maamma kept the scoreline tight, but Morocco held on for the three points.
Next up for Morocco is a clash against Nigeria on Sunday, followed by a final group-stage match against Tunisia on May 7.
