Morocco’s Atlas Cubs have written their name into football history, booking a place in their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final, Sport247 reports.
The Morrocans makes the history after a dramatic shootout win over France, thanks to substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi’s heroics.
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In a tense semi-final showdown, Mesbahi emerged as the unexpected hero.
He saved Djylian Nguessan’s sudden-death penalty to send Morocco into Sunday’s historic decider.
The 20-year-old was brought on specifically for the shootout after replacing Ibrahim Gomis, who had earlier come on for Yanis Benchaouch in regulation time.
Morocco took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Yassir Zabiri’s penalty ricocheted off the post and deflected in off
French keeper Lisandru Olmeta for an own goal. Fouad Zahouani missed a golden chance to double the lead soon after, while France rallied late in the first half, forcing Benchaouch into key saves.
France substitute Lucas Michal equalized early in the second half, notching his fifth goal of the tournament, but neither side could find a winner through extra time.
France’s Rabby Nzingoula saw red late on, and the match was decided from the spot.
The Atlas Cubs’ victory marks the first time an African side has reached the U-20 World Cup final since Ghana’s triumph in 2009.
Morocco will now face Argentina, who edged Colombia 1–0 in the other semi-final.
Othmane Maamma summed up the nation’s emotions: “We never gave up. We play for our homeland, and we’re one match away from becoming world champions.”
With this win, Morocco becomes only the third African country—after Nigeria and Ghana—to reach a FIFA U-20 World Cup final.
