It’s done! History is written. This Sunday in Chile, the Atlas Lion Cubs offered Morocco its very first U20 world champion title. And what an opponent for this coronation: Argentina, the greatest team in the history of this competition, lost 2-0.
Santiago of Chile– They did it! In an enclosure of the National Stadium of Santiago bubbling with energy, the Atlas Lion Cubs have inscribed their name in golden letters in the history of world football. Facing the formidable Albiceleste, six-time world champion in the category, Morocco won its first U20 World Cup with a mastery that stunned observers.
A final under Moroccan control
Against all expectations, the final was not suffered, but dominated. From the initial whistles, the band of the coach [First name Last name to be invented] imposed a frantic pace, cutting the Argentinian passing lines and developing a daring offensive game. The strategy bore fruit in the 12th minute: Yassir Zabiri, already the author of a remarkable competition, opened the scoring with a masterful free kick, a curling shot which lodged in the top corner, leaving the Argentinian goalkeeper without reaction.
Under Moroccan pressure, Argentina never found its feet. At the half-hour mark, Zabiri struck again, concluding a collective action of rare fluidity initiated by Othmane Maamma in the corridors. A double which practically sealed the fate of the match even before the break.
Zabiri, Maamma: The fiery duo who set the World Cup ablaze
Yassir Zabiri leaves Chile with the golden ball for top scorer (5 goals) and a place in the hearts of all supporters. But this victory is also that of a heroic collective. Othmane Maamma, architect of the game, finished best passer of the tournament, having offered goals on a plate throughout the competition.
With Yassir Zabiri, top scorer, and Othmane Maamma, best passer, Morocco not only won the Cup, but it also found new stars for the years to come. An unforgettable night that will forever be remembered
The attacking trio he formed with Zabiri and the elusive Gessime Yassine was a nightmare for all opposing defenses.
A legendary journey, from the group to consecration
To understand the magnitude of this feat, we must remember the path traveled. The draw had placed the Cubs in a death group. Nobody gave them much against the Spanish and Brazilian big names. However, they dominated them, displaying rare tactical maturity. The knockout phase was a masterpiece of resilience and talent: South Korea, bent by speed; the United States, defeated by efficiency; and finally, this nightmarish semi-final against France, snatched on penalties in an emotional inferno. Each game built the character of this team, setting the stage for the final battle.
A jubilant nation and royal recognition
In Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and in the smallest villages of the Kingdom, the images of the final caused an explosion of pure joy. The streets were filled with a Moroccan flag, celebrating these young heroes who gave the country its first world football title, all ages combined. The Sovereign, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, immediately sent a message of warm congratulations to the team and its technical staff. The Royal Palace praised a “heroic journey” and “a historic feat which honors Moroccan football and the entire Nation”.
Africa triumphs, Argentina consoles
This success marks Africa’s return to the roof of the U20 world, 14 years after Ghana’s coronation in 2009. It marks the emergence of a Moroccan golden generation, which has a string of exploits: a historic quarter-final in Qatar 2022, an Olympic medal in Paris 2024, and now, the apotheosis. On the Argentinian side, the disappointment is as high as the record. Legend Lionel Messi took to comforting his family on social media, telling them to “keep their heads high” and emphasizing the “pride” they inspired. A page of history has been turned. The Cubs are no longer promises, but world champions. And by 2030, with the World Cup shared, a new era is dawning for Moroccan football.
AZ-EDDINE AALLABOUCH
