Morocco’s under-20 national team has achieved a remarkable milestone, advancing to the FIFA U20 World Cup final for the first time in the country’s history.
The Atlas Cubs booked their ticket to the championship game after edging France 5-4 on penalties in a tense semifinal clash at the Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaíso, Chile.
Youssef Anwar gave Morocco the perfect start with a composed first-half strike, but France rallied after the break to force the game into extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner, the contest was settled from the spot.
The night’s hero turned out to be third-choice goalkeeper Abdelhakim El Mesbahi, who came off the bench late in extra time and made a decisive save during the shootout to send Morocco into dreamland.
His stop from France’s final penalty kick sealed the victory and triggered wild celebrations among teammates and supporters.
They will now face Argentina, who narrowly defeated Colombia 1-0 in the other semifinal, thanks to a 72nd-minute strike from Mateo Silvetti.
The South Americans are chasing a record-extending seventh world title at this level, while Morocco hope to crown their fairytale run with ultimate glory.
