Santiago: Morocco’s Atlas Lions won the Junior Football World Cup for the first time in their history, beating their counterparts from the Albiceleste (Argentina) 2-0 in Santiago on Sunday night.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Moroccan U20s made history, demonstrating the rise of Moroccan football. They dominated Argentina thanks to a brace from their striker Yassir Zabiri in the 12th and 29th minutes.
This victory recognizes the groundwork carried out over several years by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which has invested heavily in training, infrastructure, and the development of young talent. It also demonstrates the growing level of African football on the international stage, now capable of competing with the greatest nations.
Morocco appears to still be riding high on its strong performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where its senior team finished fourth, before its men’s Olympic team won bronze two years later at the Paris Olympics. Moroccans will potentially have many more opportunities to celebrate their players. The senior team, which will be playing at the CAN on home soil, will be among the tournament’s favorites. And in 2030, the country will be one of the co-hosts of the World Cup, along with Spain and Portugal.
Upon returning home, the day’s heroes are expected to be greeted triumphantly by supporters. Sports authorities have already hailed a “historic victory” that will go down in the annals of Moroccan sport. For many, this success is a promising sign for the future of national football and a source of pride for an entire continent.