Morocco’s hopes of lifting the FIFA U-20 World Cup have taken a major hit after first-choice goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch was ruled out of Sunday’s final against Argentina due to injury.
The AS Monaco shot-stopper sustained a quadriceps injury during the semi-final clash with France and had to be stretchered off after collapsing in visible pain midway through the match.
Subsequent medical tests confirmed the worst for the young Atlas Lions; Benchaouch will be sidelined for several weeks, ruling him out of the title decider in Santiago, Chile.
Benchaouch’s absence comes as a significant setback for Morocco, as the 20-year-old has been one of the team’s standout performers throughout their historic run to the final — their first-ever appearance at this stage of the tournament.
In response, the Moroccan Football Federation has called up Ilyass Motik as a replacement, while Ibrahim Gomis, who came on for Benchaouch in the semi-final, is expected to start in the final.
The semi-final against France was nothing short of dramatic. Morocco became one of the few teams in tournament history to use three goalkeepers in a single match.
After Gomis replaced Benchaouch, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi made a daring tactical switch just before the penalty shootout, introducing Hakim El Mesbahi, the team’s third-choice keeper.
That decision proved inspired — El Mesbahi pulled off a crucial save in the shootout to send Morocco through to the final in sensational fashion.
As the Lion Cubs prepare to face Argentina, they will have to draw once again on their resilience and team spirit. Losing their trusted number one at such a crucial moment is a heavy blow, but Morocco’s fairytale journey has already shown that this team thrives on defying the odds.
Even without Benchaouch between the posts, the Atlas Cubs remain determined to finish their remarkable campaign with the ultimate prize.
