Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Morocco capped a remarkable campaign by defeating Argentina 2–0 to lift their first FIFA U-20 World Cup title in Santiago, Chile — thanks to a dazzling double from Yassir Zabiri, heroic saves from goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis, and a commanding defensive display led by captain Omar El Azzouzi. Zabiri’s first-half brace, a stunning free-kick on 12 minutes and a close-range finish on 29, settled a gripping final in which Argentina’s attacking stars Valentín Carboni and Ignacio Maestro Puch were repeatedly frustrated by Morocco’s composure, structure and spirit.
First Half
Morocco made their intentions clear early on — calm in possession, quick in transition, and fearless against one of the world’s most decorated youth sides. Their reward came in the 12th minute when Zabiri curled an exquisite free-kick into the top corner, sending the Moroccan fans into raptures. Their coach created the chance after all when he used a VAR challenge to cause the Referee to review an incident around the Argentina penalty area. Upon return from the pitch side monitor, the official accorded the free kick that made the difference.
Argentina responded with intensity, pushing through Carboni’s creativity and Maestro Puch’s movement, but found no way past Mohamed Gomis, whose reflex save from a Carboni drive kept Morocco ahead.
The North Africans doubled their lead before the half-hour mark. A teasing cross from Othmane Maamma caused panic in the Argentine box, and Zabiri reacted first to the loose ball, firing home his second of the evening.
Second Half
Argentina increased their urgency after the break, introducing fresh legs in attack, yet Morocco remained composed and organised. El Azzouzi marshalled the backline superbly, while full-back Yassine Kechta broke up play and initiated several counter-attacks.
Gomis was again called into action late on, denying Maestro Puch’s close-range header to preserve Morocco’s two-goal cushion. From then on, the Atlas Cubs controlled the tempo, slowing the game and frustrating their opponents until the final whistle.
The Aftermath
At full-time, Moroccan players collapsed in joy and disbelief — the culmination of a campaign that saw them defeat Spain, Brazil, Korea Republic, and the United States before toppling the mighty Argentina in the final.
For coach Mohamed Ouahbi, this triumph is the product of years of youth investment and tactical evolution. For Morocco, it is the crowning moment of a generation that has captured the imagination of a continent.
Full-time: Morocco 2–0 Argentina
Scorers: Yassir Zabiri 12’, 29’
Venue: Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago, Chile
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
Player of the Match: Yassir Zabiri (Morocco)
Morocco’s young stars have written a new chapter in their country’s football history — one built on discipline, brilliance, and belief.
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