Under the leadership of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the young Moroccan talents achieved what an entire nation had been dreaming of: becoming the first Moroccan national team, in any category, to reach a World Cup final. A monumental achievement that symbolizes the steady rise of Moroccan football, the result of the Royal Vision and the deep structural work led by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
From the first whistle, the Lion Cubs displayed unwavering determination and impressive intensity. On a perfectly delivered corner, Baouf was brought down in the box by Le Borgne. After consulting VAR, the Uruguayan referee pointed to the penalty spot. Yassir Zabiri, one of Morocco’s standout players in the tournament, stepped up. His shot hit the post, then the French goalkeeper, before crossing the line. Morocco took the lead and went into halftime ahead 1-0, to the delight of the Chilean crowd that had embraced the North African side.
The Moroccan side kept pushing, with Zahouani and Maamma coming close to doubling the lead, but without success. France, overwhelmed by Morocco’s energy and tactical discipline, struggled to respond.
A Fierce Battle Until the Final Second
After the break, the French regained momentum and equalized in the 59th minute through Lucas Michal (1-1). Yet the Moroccan players stood firm, united and heroic. Every ball was fought for as if it were the last.
In extra time, despite playing with a man advantage after the expulsion of French player Rabby Nzingula, Morocco couldn’t find the winner. Still, their courage was remarkable: captain Baouf led by example, while goalkeeper Benchaouch, outstanding before being forced off injured, pulled off several world-class saves.
His substitute, Hakim Mesbahi, entered just before the penalty shootout—and turned into an unexpected hero.
A Victory of Heart and Nerves
The shootout was a nerve-wracking ordeal. Five Moroccan penalties, five displays of perfect composure. The final shot hit the net, and jubilation erupted—Morocco are through to the U20 World Cup final!
The players collapsed in tears of joy on the Chilean turf, embraced by a sea of red and green. In the stands, Moroccan fans, members of the diaspora, and even Chilean supporters chanted together: “Dima Maghrib!”
A Dream Come True
This triumph is far more than a qualification—it is the consecration of the Moroccan model of football development, now admired worldwide. From the Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who made sports a pillar of national influence, to the FRMF’s strategy under Fouzi Lekjaa, every effort has contributed to Morocco’s rise as a major footballing nation.
The Lion Cubs will play the grand final this Sunday, October 19, in Santiago, against the winner of the Argentina vs. Colombia semifinal.
Whatever the outcome, this golden generation has already conquered the hearts of Moroccans and offered the Kingdom a night of unforgettable glory.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv