2025 FIFA U20 World Cup: ‘Mexico deserved their victory’ – Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi reacts to defeat

Head coach of Morocco’s U20 team, Mohamed Ouahbi, has acknowledged that Mexico fully deserved their win in Saturday’s final group-stage match at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.

“I think Mexico deserved their victory; they were better than us. We didn’t create many chances, and the game was decided on the second balls, duels, and 50-50 plays. You could see they wanted it more than us,” Ouahbi told the press after the game.

Morocco suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mexico but still managed to finish top of Group C with six points, following earlier victories over Spain and Brazil.

Ouahbi admitted he was frustrated by his team’s performance, explaining that he deliberately tried to put pressure on his players to keep them focused despite already securing qualification to the next round.

“I was angry because I wanted to put a bit of pressure on the players so they would wake up. I don’t really like approaching matches where we’re already qualified, when there is nothing at stake,” he said.

The Moroccan coach also expressed disappointment with the referee’s timekeeping, questioning why only five minutes were added despite multiple interruptions.

“There were only five minutes of stoppage time. I found that too little. When you come from a match like the one against Brazil, where you get 10 minutes, then they add another minute to make 11…. Here, there were two VAR checks, several stoppages, and balls going out to waste time. And yet only five minutes were added, and the referee stopped the game right at five. I found that unfair. It irritated me a bit, but fine, it’s not the end of the world,” Ouahbi said.

Looking ahead, Ouahbi stressed the importance of preparing for their next challenge against South Korea in the Round of 16.