U-20 World Cup: Resilient Morocco Advance To Quarterfinals After Beating South Korea 2–1
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Morocco’s U-20 national team continued their impressive run at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, booking their spot in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over South Korea on Thursday.
With the result, the Atlas Lion Cubs remain the only African team left in the competition, keeping the continent’s hopes alive.
The North Africans bounced back strongly from their narrow 0–1 defeat to Mexico in their final group-stage match. Despite that setback, the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up showed character and tactical discipline to edge out a resilient Korean side in Rancagua.
Morocco got off to a dream start in the 8th minute through a bizarre own goal. A swift counter-attack orchestrated by captain Othmane Maamma saw the Watford winger sprint down the right flank and draw out the Korean goalkeeper before delivering a teasing cross into the area.
Gessime Yassine’s initial effort was deflected high into the air, and as Yassir Zabiri attempted an acrobatic overhead kick, the ball ricocheted off Shin Min-Ha and into his own net.
South Korea responded with intensity, pushing numbers forward and dominating possession, but their final delivery often let them down. Morocco, however, remained compact defensively, soaking up pressure and striking on the counter.
Their persistence paid off once again in the second half. Captain Maamma found space on the right and delivered another precise cross that Zabiri met first-time with a composed finish to double Morocco’s lead.
The Koreans grabbed a late consolation from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it came too late to alter the outcome.
With this victory, Morocco advance to the quarterfinals where they will face the United States on Sunday at the Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua — the same venue that hosted Thursday’s encounter.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
