Morocco U-20 Team Stuns Kenya in Thrilling African Youth Cup Opener

Despite an intense start to the match by the Atlas Cubs under the leadership of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the Moroccan team conceded a surprise goal in the 16th minute in a context of disorganization in the defensive line.

Despite the continuous pressure exerted on the goalkeeper’s net, efficiency was lacking in the final touch, before Mohamed Yassir Zoubairi equalized in the additional time of the first half, which ended with a score of 1-1.

At the beginning of the second half, the Moroccans continued their assault, and Zoubairi again found the back of the net with a header in the 55th minute, before leaving the field due to injury.

While Moroccan domination seemed apparent, the Kenyan team came back into the match by equalizing in the 71st minute, thus relaunching the fight for the match points.

The response was quick from substitute Reda Laalaoui, who scored the third goal in the 79th minute, giving the advantage back to the Atlas Cubs.

The Moroccan team could have widened the gap, but Othmane Maamma missed a penalty. Despite this, the players maintained their lead until the final whistle, thus securing a precious victory to start their continental campaign.

Thanks to this success, the Moroccan team takes the lead in group B with three points, ahead of Nigeria on goal difference, the latter having beaten Tunisia with a score of 1-0. Kenya and Tunisia occupy the third and fourth places respectively without any points.

The Atlas Cubs will face the Nigerian team in the clash of the second day, on Sunday, May 4 at 19:00, before closing the group stage against Tunisia on Wednesday, May 7 at 16:00.