On Saturday, September 27, the U20 World Cup kicked off in Chile. Two players from the Mauves traveled to the World Cup. Ali Maamar and Anas Tajaouart were called up for Morocco by coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who previously coached RSC Anderlecht. Former Sporting defender Ismael Baouf was also part of the squad. The Moroccans impressed in the group stage with victories over football powerhouses Spain and Brazil. After victories against South Korea, the USA, and France, our Sportingboys have reached the final of the tournament, where they faced Argentina. They won the top clash 2-0 and were thus crowned world champions.
Tough group stage
At first, it seemed like a tough challenge awaited our Sportingboys in Chile. Morocco was drawn into a group with Spain, Brazil, and Mexico. Last Sunday, the World Cup started for Ali and Anas with the match against Spain. Ouahbi’s men - with Maamar in the starting eleven - won 2-0 against Spain. Tajaouart came on as a substitute.
The second match against Brazil also ended in victory for Morocco, with a 2-1 win. Again, Ali started and Anas came off the bench. Morocco thus began the World Cup strongly with 6 points out of 6. The group stage ended with a setback against Mexico, losing 1-0.
Moroccan glory
In the round of 16, Morocco faced South Korea. After a 2-1 win, the Moroccans secured their spot in the quarter-finals, with Ali starting again and Anas coming on as a substitute. The United States were also beaten 3–1, allowing Morocco to advance to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Ali and Anas’s team faced a true football powerhouse: France. After a real thriller that ended 1-1, a penalty shootout was needed to decide who would advance to the final. Morocco, missing suspended player Maamar, came out on top.
And the Moroccans made history. On Monday night, they faced Argentina in the final - a true showdown, with Ali Maamar back in the starting lineup. Two goals from Zabiri sealed Moroccan glory. With only one defeat in the group stage and strong performances against top nations, Morocco deservedly crowned themselves world champions.
Congratulations, Ali and Anas.
