As part of the U20 World Cup quarter-finals, the Moroccan national team delivered a remarkable performance by eliminating the United States, considered one of the favourites to win the tournament. Having convincingly defeated Italy 3-0 in the Round of 16, Team USA was seen as a major obstacle. But the Lion Cubs, who had already knocked out Spain, Brazil, and South Korea, once again demonstrated their solidity and efficiency to secure a well-deserved place in the semi-finals.
Zahouani breaks the deadlock
The match started at a high tempo, with the American team showing great aggression in the duels. But the Moroccans responded with character.
In the 30th minute, Fouad Zahouani opened the scoring with a brilliant finish following an acrobatic assist from Othmane Maamma. VAR intervened to review the action and logically confirmed the goal.
Shortly before half-time, Zahouani escaped punishment for a risky tackle. In the 43rd minute, the United States was awarded a penalty after a foul by Ali Maammar. Despite the protests, VAR upheld the decision, and Cole Campbell converted the penalty. However, AS Monaco’s Moroccan goalkeeper, Yanis Benchaouch, had guessed the right way.
Notably, all three goals conceded by Morocco in this tournament have come from penalties.
Zabiri restores the lead
Zabiri puts Morocco back in front But their defensive discipline prevented their opponents from creating any real chances.
On the hour mark, Morocco regained control and started to grow stronger. In the 66th minute, a long throw-in caused confusion in the American defence. Initially credited to Zabiri, the goal was eventually recorded as an own goal by Joshua Wynder after a VAR review.
Heroic resilience and clinical finishing
Pushed to their limits, the Lion Cubs showed exemplary solidity. Maamma made a series of dangerous breakthroughs, while the United States, relying on their aerial game, lacked precision, as illustrated by Francis Westfield’s header off target in the 77th minute.
In the 86th minute, Morocco sealed the deal. Taking advantage of a huge American defensive mistake, Ilias Boumassaoudi recovered a poorly handled ball between the goalkeeper and his defender. His first attempt was blocked, but he set up Gessime, unmarked in the box, who finished to seal the victory once and for all.
A golden generation
Morocco defeated one of the tournament favourites and continues its World Cup dream. Fighting spirit, tactical discipline, and efficiency were once again the keys to this success.
This U20 generation, capable of defeating the world’s biggest teams, continues to write a historic chapter in Moroccan football and earns a prestigious place in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
