In 2022, it was Youssef En-Nesyri. In 2024, it was Soufiane Rahimi. In 2025, it was Gessime Yassine.
Morocco have, once again, called upon a goalscoring hero to send them to the semi-final of a major tournament, and upset the odds while doing so.
Following the nation’s exploits at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, where they became the first African nation to reach the semis, and Paris 2024, where they scooped a historic bronze medal, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side defeated USA in Rancagua to reach the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ semi-finals for the first time in 20 years.
“We know we put in a great performance against a very strong team,” a delighted Ouahbi told FIFA at full-time. “We knew about the United States from the outset, we respected them a lot but we weren’t afraid, we knew that if we played our game and defended well, we would have a chance.”
Have a chance they certainly did. After soaking up plenty of USA pressure, the Moroccans broke with pace through Saad El Haddad. Using Fouad Zahouani as a dummy runner to buy a yard, he crossed for captain Othmane Maamma. His first effort was saved but the mercurial winger’s quick thinking saw him flick the ball back across for Zahouani to rattle home the opener.
“I’m happy with the team, I’m happy with what we’re doing,” Maamma said after being named Visa Player of the Match. “I’m not going to talk about Man of the Match because it’s thanks to my team-mates that we put in a real team performance. It was our mentality and the love of the people that made us play such a great game tonight.”
Cole Campbell levelled with a penalty in first-half stoppage time, but Morocco went again in the second, as Yassir Zabiri rifled a shot in off the unfortunate Joshua Wynder with little over 20 to play. The States piled on the pressure from there but Morocco remained unbowed, and broke away to force an error and net the decisive goal via Yassine.
“Thank God, all our efforts were rewarded,” Ouahbi added. “We know very well that we are a team that knows how to defend, that knows how to suffer. We have players who are fighting for their country at such a young age, which is impressive.”
The North Africans will now face either Norway or France in their first U-20 World Cup semi-final for two decades, and both player and coach are united in their desire to see this latest fairytale out until its conclusion.
“I hope we go far,” Maamma continued. “I think we’ve made the whole of Morocco proud. Now, we need to focus on the semi-final.”
“They know very well that they are not alone,” Ouhabi concluded. “They are supported and encouraged by an entire nation, by a King, and that gives them wings. God willing, we will continue. We won’t stop there.”
