The Moroccan national under-20 team wrote, Wednesday evening in Valparaíso, one of the most beautiful pages in the history of national football by qualifying for the final of the U20 World Cup, after its victory against France (5-4 on penalties, 1-1 after extra time) at the Elias Figueroa Brander stadium.
This success, at the end of a match of exceptional intensity, honors a talented generation and disciplined, capable of competing with the best selections in the world.
A controlled start and a deserved advantage
From the first quarter of an hour, the Atlas Lion Cubs displayed a clear desire to impose their rhythm. Very concentrated, they exert constant pressure on the French defense, seeking to exploit the slightest spaces. France tries to respond with quick counterattacks, without however managing to worry the solid Moroccan rearguard.
At the 29th minute, the national coach requests the green card to check a foul suffered by Ismaïl Baouf in the French area. After viewing, the Uruguayan referee awarded a penalty converted by Yasser Zabiri in the 32nd minute, allowing Morocco to open the score.
The Moroccans then narrowly missed the break in the 40th minute on a great collective action concluded by Othman Maama, whose shot was repelled by goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta. The ball returns to Fouad Zahouani, who fails to make it happen.
At the end of the first period, France pushes, but goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch makes several decisive interventions, allowing Morocco to return to the locker room with a logical advantage (1-0).
France equalizes, Morocco remains solid
On returning from the locker room, France raises its tone and monopolizes the ball further. The French pressure ended up paying off in the 59th minute, when Lucas Michal took advantage of a poor defensive alignment to equalize.
Shortly after, Morocco suffered another hard blow with the injury of Benchaouch, forced to give way to Ibrahim Gomis in the 64th minute.
Despite this setback, the Moroccans showed character and restored the balance of the game. The opportunities multiplied, without any of the two teams fail to make a difference before the final whistle.
Extensions under tension and expulsion on the French side
From the start of extra time, the Cubs showed an intact desire to snatch victory. The French, more nervous, increased the number of muscular interventions, receiving several warnings.
The tension rose further in the second period of added time, marked by the expulsion of midfielder Rabby Nzingoula in the 107th minute, after a second warning.
In numerical superiority, the Moroccans tried to accelerate, but the two teams were unable to decide between themselves. The referee returns the selections to the penalty shootout.
A historic victory and a dream come true
The fateful series finally turns to the advantage of Morocco, victorious 5 shots to 4. The Lion Cubs of the Atlas thus obtain their first qualification for a U20 World Cup final, an unprecedented and founding feat for national football.
This performance rewards the collective work of a group united and determined, but also the constant efforts of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in terms of training and development of young talents.
Morocco can now dream even bigger, writing the last chapter of its Chilean epic by lifting the world trophy.
