In a thrilling opening match of the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, Morocco’s national U20 team secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Kenya at the Stade du 30 juin in Cairo. The match, part of the first day of Group B, showcased the talent and determination of Morocco's young players as they aimed to assert their dominance in African football.
The scoring kicked off early for Kenya when L. Ouma found the back of the net in the 16th minute, giving the Rising Stars a surprising lead. However, Morocco responded with tenacity. Just before the halftime whistle, A. A. Boudlal equalized for Morocco, scoring in the 45th minute, which shifted the momentum in favor of the Atlas Lions.
After the break, Morocco continued to press, and Y. Zabiri put them ahead with a goal in the 55th minute. The match saw its share of drama as Kenya fought back, with H. Beja leveling the score at 2-2 in the 71st minute. But Morocco wasn't to be denied; R. Laalaoui scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute, sealing the victory for his team.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed pride in his players' performance, stating, "The aim is not just to take part, but to compete for the African title. This goal was set two years ago when the technical staff began building a strong and cohesive team through training camps and friendlies." His confidence in the squad was evident as they demonstrated resilience and skill in a match that was anything but easy.
Ouahbi acknowledged the strength of the Kenyan team, remarking, "We have analyzed many matches. They have very good players, even under pressure. This match, we prepared as if it were a final." His foresight proved crucial as Morocco navigated a challenging group that includes Nigeria and Tunisia.
Looking ahead, Morocco is set to face Nigeria on Sunday, May 4, 2025, followed by a clash against Tunisia on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The stakes are high, as only the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will earn a spot in the U20 World Cup scheduled to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.
Fans can catch the upcoming matches live on BeIN Sports HD 6, as Morocco aims to build on their successful start and continue their pursuit of the continental title. The excitement surrounding the U20 team is palpable, especially following the recent successes of Morocco's U17 team and the futsal women’s team, which have raised expectations for the U20 squad.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Morocco’s young talents, who are not only competing for glory but also laying the groundwork for the future of Moroccan football. Coach Ouahbi emphasized the importance of this generation, stating, "The short-term goal is to win this U20 title, but the long-term mission is to produce players ready to wear the senior team shirt. This group forms the nucleus of our future squad."
With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, Morocco's U20 team is determined to make their mark on the tournament and showcase their capabilities on the international stage. The victory over Kenya is just the beginning, and as they prepare for their next challenges, fans are hopeful for a memorable campaign.
