Morocco’s U-20 national football team fell short in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), losing 1–0 to South Africa in Cairo on Sunday. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, the Moroccan side struggled with finishing, a factor that ultimately decided the match.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed his pride in the team’s performance throughout the tournament, acknowledging the disappointment of missing out on the title.
“The players are disappointed. They were keen to win the title, but luck wasn’t on their side,” Ouahbi said after the match in a report monitored by AfricaSoccer.com.
“I still don’t understand how we didn’t win this final.
“We had the upper hand in every aspect – possession, chances, territory, corner kicks – everything. But somehow the trophy slipped through our fingers.
“The boys gave everything. Football can be cruel. You dominate, you dictate, you press, and one moment changes everything. But that’s the nature of this sport.
He commended his squad for their dedication and effort, emphasizing that their journey was not defined solely by the final result.
Looking ahead, Ouahbi shifted focus to the upcoming challenges, particularly the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
“The important thing is to focus on the upcoming matches,” he stated, highlighting the need to build on the experience gained during the AFCON.
The four semi-finalists, including Morocco, have secured their spots in the World Cup, offering a new opportunity for the team to showcase their talents on the global stage.
South Africa’s coach, Raymond Mdaka, praised his team’s resilience and tactical discipline, noting that the match against Morocco was “very tough.”
He expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance, despite a loss to Egypt in the group stage, and emphasized the importance of learning from each match to improve.
The third-place play-off saw Nigeria triumph over Egypt in a penalty shootout, concluding a competitive tournament that showcased the rising standards of youth football across the continent.
As Morocco reflects on their AFCON campaign, the focus now turns to preparations for the World Cup. With a squad rich in talent and potential, the team aims to turn their AFCON experience into a springboard for success on the world stage.
The 2025 U-20 AFCON served not only as a continental championship but also as a qualifier for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, with the top four teams earning their places in the global tournament.
Morocco’s qualification underscores the nation’s commitment to developing young footballing talent and competing at the highest levels.
As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the lessons learned from the AFCON final will undoubtedly inform their approach, with the goal of achieving greater success on the world stage.
