Morocco U-20 side continued their dream run in Chile, overpowering the United States 3-1 to book a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup semi-finals.
The Atlas Cubs struck first at the El Teniente Stadium in Rancagua when Fouad Zahouani finished off a slick move from Maamma in the 31st minute.
The Americans hit back before the break as Cole Campbell, the Borussia Dortmund youngster, buried a penalty after Moroccan defender Ali Maamar was ruled to have fouled inside the box.
After the interval, Morocco took control. In the 66th minute, Joshua Wynder turned the ball into his own net under pressure, restoring Morocco’s advantage.
The North Africans sealed the result late on when Yassine Gessime pounced on a defensive error and calmly slotted home to make it 3-1.
The victory sends Morocco into a mouthwatering semi-final clash with France, keeping alive their hopes of a historic run to the final.
This achievement cements Morocco’s place among Africa’s elite at this level.
They become only the fourth African nation to reach the FIFA U-20 World Cup semi-finals more than once, joining Ghana (five appearances), Nigeria (three), and Mali (two). Senegal and Egypt have each reached the last four once.
Ghana remain the only African nation to have lifted the U-20 World Cup trophy, achieving that milestone in 2009.
