African Pride: Morocco Join Ghana As Only African Nations To Win FIFA U-20 World Cup
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
The football world witnessed history on Sunday as Morocco’s U-20 national team clinched their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title, defeating six-time champions Argentina 2–0 in a thrilling final at the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium.
It was a night of glory for the Young Atlas Lions, who displayed tactical brilliance, composure, and clinical finishing to outclass one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses.
The hero of the historic victory was Yassir Zabiri, Morocco’s sensational forward, whose first-half brace secured the North Africans’ place in football folklore.
Zabiri opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a stunning free-kick that curled into the top right corner, leaving the Argentine goalkeeper helpless. He struck again in the 29th minute, finishing off a brilliant run and cross from Othmane Maâma to double Morocco’s lead.
Despite Argentina’s relentless pressure in the second half, Morocco’s defense remained resolute, marshalled superbly by captain Rayan El-Mourabet and goalkeeper Youssef Bakkali, who made several crucial saves to preserve a clean sheet.
The victory capped off an extraordinary campaign for Morocco, who navigated one of the toughest routes to the title. They topped a so-called “Group of Death” that included Spain, Brazil, and Mexico, before eliminating South Korea, the United States, and France in the knockout stages — all before stunning Argentina in the final.
With this feat, Morocco not only become the first Arab nation to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup but also the second African country to lift the trophy, following Ghana’s 2009 triumph over Brazil in Egypt.
This historic achievement marks a new dawn for Moroccan football and a proud moment for the African continent, underlining the nation’s growing stature as one of the most dynamic and progressive forces in world football.
