Morocco booked a historic place in their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final after edging France in a dramatic sudden-death penalty shootout, with substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi emerging as the hero.
The Atlas Cubs had already replaced injured keeper Yanis Benchaouch with Ibrahim Gomis in the second half, before bringing on Mesbahi specifically for the shootout — a move that paid off when he saved Djylian N’Guessan’s decisive penalty.
Earlier, Morocco took the lead in the 31st minute when Yassir Zabiri’s penalty struck the post and bounced off French goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta for an own goal — their third own goal in as many knockout games, setting a tournament record. Fouad Zahouani missed a clear chance to double the lead, and France equalized soon after the break through Lucas Michal, assisted by substitute Moustapha Dabo.
With no winner after extra time — during which France’s Rabby Nzingoula was sent off — the match was settled on penalties, where Morocco held their nerve to become the first African side since Ghana to reach the final.
“I’m really happy with my team… We showed the beautiful side of Morocco once again,” said playmaker Othmane Maamma.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi added, “We managed to stay focused, calm and wait for our moments… Now we’re enjoying it, we’re in the final… but we want to win the cup.”
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