Morocco’s U-20 national team began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Kenya on Thursday at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium in Group B’s opening round.
Kenya struck first in the 16th minute through Lawrence Oma Okoth, whose powerful header left Moroccan goalkeeper Yaniss Benshaouch with no chance.
After several attacking attempts, Morocco leveled the score in stoppage time of the first half, with Yassir Zebbari slotting home the equalizer in the 45+2 minute.
The match saw an early substitution as Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal left the field due to injury and was replaced by Hamza Koton.
Morocco returned from the break pressing high and were rewarded when Zebbari scored his second goal of the night in the 55th minute. However, he suffered an injury shortly afterward and was subbed off for Aymane Arkiq.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Morocco failed to convert more opportunities, leaving room for a Kenyan counterattack. In the 71st minute, Hassan Beja Kitsao capitalized to level the score once again at 2-2.
But Morocco responded quickly, with Reda El Aloui netting the decisive third goal in the 79th minute. Othman Maamra missed a penalty in the 89th minute, which could have widened the margin.
With this win, Morocco shares the top of Group B with Nigeria at three points each. Kenya and Tunisia remain at the bottom with zero points following the first round of matches.
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