The Confederation of African Football (CAF) called, on Thursday, Morocco’s qualification to the U20 World Cup Final by defeating France “a victory both symbolic and historic.”
“After 120 minutes of intense, evenly matched football, Morocco sealed their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final following a dramatic 1–1 draw (5–4 on penalties) — a victory both symbolic and historic for Moroccan and African football,” CAF wrote on its website.
“The Pacific breeze was not enough to cool the Moroccan flame. At the Estadio Elías Figueroa in Valparaíso, the Young Atlas Lions of coach Mohamed Ouahbi stood tall against France, prevailing in a thrilling and hard-fought semifinal that kept fans on edge until the final whistle,” the same source added.
Recalling the game’s highlights, CAF underlined that injured goalkeeper Benchaouch had to give way to Ibrahim Gomis, and with the game heading towards penalties, coach Ouahbi made a daring decision, bringing on a third goalkeeper, Abdelhakim Mesbahi, moments before the shootout began.
It was a calculated risk, and it paid off, CAF said, adding that “Morocco held their nerve as two French penalty takers faltered: Gady Beyuku hit the post, and Djylian N’Guessan sent his shot wide. The Young Atlas Lions converted their kicks with composure and confidence to claim a 5–4 shootout victory.”
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