Morocco’s Young Lions Roar into World Cup Semifinals

Facing the United States on the pitch of the "El Teniente" stadium in Rancagua, Mohamed Ouahbi’s players won 3-1. Fouad Zahouani, Yassir Zabiri and Yassine Gessime were the Moroccan goalscorers, while the Americans had equalized from the penalty spot just before half-time.

The match, however, started under strong American pressure. The Atlas Lions showed defensive solidity before taking the lead on a counterattack finished by Fouad Zahouani in the 31st minute. Just before the break, the United States equalized from the penalty spot. In the second half, Morocco continued their momentum, with Yassir Zabiri restoring their lead in the 67th minute, before Yassine Gessime sealed the victory late in the game, in the 88th minute.

This qualification is an event for Moroccan football. It is the second time in its history that the under-20 national team has reached the semi-finals of a World Cup, after the 2005 edition in the Netherlands.

For a place in the final, the Atlas Lions will face the winner of the quarter-final between Norway and France. The match will take place this Wednesday at 9pm, Moroccan time.