Morocco’s Young Lions Clinch a World Cup QF Berth with a 2-1 Triumph Over Korea
10 October 2025
Fast start seals Morocco’s progress
Morocco’s under-20 team advanced to the FIFA U-20 World Cup quarterfinals in Chile after a 2-1 win over South Korea on a Friday night. The North African side demonstrated early intent, pressuring from the first whistle and carving out several clear openings through a lively frontline.
In the 12th minute, Yasser Zabiri, who plays his club football in Portugal, found the net to give the Atlas Lions the lead. The second goal arrived in the 57th minute when a cross toward Zabiri deflected off Shime into his own goal, doubling Morocco’s advantage and bouncing the stands into celebration.
Korea South Korea pulled one back deep into stoppage time, from a penalty, but it wasn’t enough to derail Morocco’s advance. The result sends the Moroccans into a last-eight meeting with the United States, who had eliminated Italy in the Round of 16.
Morocco’s progress comes as Africa’s teams look to make an imprint on the tournament, with Egypt, South Africa and Nigeria already knocked out in the knockout phase. The Atlas Lions carried the continent’s hopes as they moved deeper into the tournament in Chile.
Head coach Mohammed Wahbi praised his players for their discipline, preparation, and belief, insisting that the success was built on hard work and collective effort rather than luck or chance. He emphasized the federation’s backing and the long-term work invested in developing a competitive youth program.
In the opening half, Morocco pressed high and created several opportunities through a dangerous attacking trio. Early moments saw Othman Omama and Yassin Jasim testing the Korean defense while Ismail Baouaf and the back line repelled danger with discipline. Keeper Yanis Benchaouch produced a crucial early save to keep the sheet clean for the break.
The second half saw Korea come out with renewed tempo, but Benchaouch remained sharp, denying a close-range effort in the 52nd minute. Two minutes later, Omama again breached the flank and delivered a pinpoint cross that Zabiri headed home for Morocco’s second, effectively sealing the tie. A late push by Korea culminated in a penalty that produced Korea’s consolation goal, but the Moroccan lead remained intact.
Morocco finished the group stage at the top after beating Spain and Brazil, and despite a loss to Mexico, they advanced in strong fashion, echoing their 2005 Dutch-run and reinforcing Africa’s expanding footprint on the world stage. Wahbi reiterated that this achievement is the result of years of preparation and steadfast support from the federation, driven by a national belief in delivering more for the “Lions of the Atlas.”
“There is no coincidence,” Wahbi said. “What we achieved against Spain and Brazil is a product of our hard work and planning. We carry the responsibility with pride and we will keep pushing forward.”
End of match thoughts
In summary, Morocco’s U-20s showcased resilience, clinical finishing from Zabiri, and a stubborn defense that weathered Korea’s pressure. The win keeps Africa’s hopes alive in a tournament where every match matters, and where the next round will test whether the squad can translate historic progress into a deeper run. Punchlines aside, this is a victory that deserves its place in Moroccan football folklore — and perhaps a celebratory kebab later, since football and late-night snacks are basically a national sport.
Punchline 1: If luck had a jersey, Morocco’s would be number 2—they earned the win with preparation, precision, and a bit of precision-precision.
Punchline 2: When your defense is so solid that even a stoppage-time penalty can’t erase your lead, you know you’ve got a future in this tournament.
