Morocco stunned Argentina in the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, winning their first-ever title in the competition, a landmark achievement for both the nation and African football.
Morocco opened the scoring through a superb Yassir Zabiri freekick, the forward later added a second goal with a close-range finish just 17 minutes later.
After finishing top of a group marked as the group of death with the likes of tournament favourites Spain and Brazil. Morocco proved they meant business.
The Young Atlas Lions then went on to defeat South Korea, the United States, and France in the knockout rounds, before capping an incredible run by overpowering the tournament favorites and six-time champions, Argentina in the final. And this is what it means.
This win marks a major moment in their bid to build a sustainable football project combined with impressive infrastructure meant to host the world’s biggest competitions.
As celebrations continue in Morocco and beyond, the young Atlas lions have sparked some hope in the continent beaming a signal of hope: African football is on the rise.
And with nine teams set to represent Africa at the next world cup, there is a general belief the greatest global triumph could be closer than ever.
–
Story by Selorm Ahiamadi | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
