Morocco have booked their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final after edging France 6–5 on penalties in a dramatic semi-final that ended 1–1 after extra time at the Elías Figueroa Brande Stadium in Valparaíso.
The North Africans took a deserved lead in the 32nd minute when Yassir Zabiri’s penalty deflected off French defender Lisandru Olmeta and into the net. France hit back after the break through Lucas Michal’s 59th-minute strike, setting up a tense contest that went all the way to spot-kicks.
Morocco suffered a setback when first-choice goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch was forced off injured early in the second half, with Ibrahim Gomis stepping in heroically to see out the game. France were later reduced to ten men in extra time after Rabby Nzingoula was shown a second yellow card, but Morocco could not capitalise despite late chances from Othmane Maamma and others.
In the shootout, Morocco held their composure as Younes El Bahraoui, Ilias Boumassaoudi, Yassir Zabiri, Mohamed Hamony, Saad El Haddad, and Byar all converted from the spot. The final French kick flew wide, sending the Atlas Cubs into the final amid euphoric celebrations from their travelling supporters.
The victory seals a historic moment for Moroccan football, with the team now awaiting the winner of Colombia vs Argentina to determine their opponent in the U-20 World Cup final. France, meanwhile, will contest the third-place play-off.