Morocco’s U20 side made a bold start to their 2025 U-20 AFCON campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over Kenya on Thursday evening in Egypt.
The North Africans showed strong attacking intent, overcoming early setbacks to snatch victory in a dramatic Group B opener.
Kenya broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Lawrence Ouma, but Morocco responded just before halftime when substitute Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal found the net. Ten minutes into the second half, Yassir Zabiri completed the comeback with a fine finish to hand Morocco the lead.
Kenya fought back through Hassan Beja, who made it 2-2 in the 71st minute after a clever assist by Aldrine Kibet. But Morocco weren’t done yet. Reda Laalaoui stepped up to fire home the winner in the 78th minute.
A late penalty miss by Othmane Maamma added tension, but Morocco held on. The midfielder’s all-round display still earned him Man of the Match honors.
The win takes Morocco to the top of Group B with three points, leaving Kenya at the bottom with work to do.
Watch the highlights below:
