SANTIAGO, Chile – The Moroccan U20 National Team produced a major upset at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, defeating Brazil 2–1. This victory, achieved in their second group stage match, secures the Atlas Lion Cubs the top spot in Group C and guarantees their qualification for the Round of 16.
Morocco edge Brazil in a high-stakes clash
The much-anticipated Group C second-round clash got off to a flying start. Within the opening minutes, Moroccan goalkeeper Benchaouch was called into action, producing decisive saves — notably on a Luighi header and an Erick Belé follow-up — to keep the score level and thwart Brazil’s early intentions.
In the first half, the Atlas Lion Cubs faced a major scare. On the half-hour mark, the referee initially awarded a penalty to the Seleção for an alleged foul by Baouf on Luighi. However, following strong protests from the Moroccan players and a VAR review, the incident was deemed non-existent. The decision was overturned, much to the relief of the Moroccan camp, keeping the score level.
A decisive second wind from Mohamed Ouahbi’s men
Back from the break, Morocco showed renewed determination and quickly broke the deadlock. In the 60th minute, the opener came: perfectly picked out by a pinpoint cross from Man of the Match Yassine Gessime on the right wing, Othmane Maamma beat goalkeeper Otávio with a brilliant volley to put his side ahead (1-0).
As Brazil ramped up the pressure in search of an equalizer, the Moroccan defense stood firm, with Hamony notably clearing a shot off the line. The Lion Cubs wasted no time in punishing that missed opportunity, striking a second decisive blow just minutes later. The relentless Yassine Gessime battled past Wesley, burst into the box, and picked out his teammate Yassir Zabiri. Already on target against Spain, Zabiri made no mistake, firing a clinical low drive across goal to double Morocco’s lead (2-0, 76’).
Despite Brazil pulling one back in stoppage time through captain Iago from the penalty spot, following a handball in the box, Morocco held firm. The 2-1 final score confirmed the supremacy of the young Moroccans in this group, at the expense of pre-tournament favorites Spain and Brazil.
Group C roundup
Next fixture
Mohamed Ouahbi’s men will play their final group match against Mexico (2 points), aiming to finish the group stage with a perfect record and head into the knockout phase full of confidence.
