فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The Moroccan U20 national team kicked off their participation in the 2025 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Spain on Sunday evening at the Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium on the outskirts of Santiago, Chile. This result came in the first match of Group C.
Coach Mohamed Wahbi started the game with a lineup featuring goalkeeper Benchaaouch, defenders Maamar, Baouf, and Maama, midfielders Sadiq, Al-Haddad, and Al-Zahwani, and forwards Jassim, Khalifi, Bakhti, and Zabiri.
Morocco took the initiative early in the 6th minute when Zabiri received a pass behind the Spanish defense but his shot narrowly missed the right post of goalkeeper Fran González. Spain responded with a similar attempt in the 10th minute through a header by player Iker Bravo.
In the 14th minute, Spain threatened the Moroccan goal with a close-range shot that was cleared off the line by Al-Zahwani’s header. Three minutes later, Zabiri tried again, but González made an impressive save. Iker Bravo nearly scored with a direct free kick in the 39th minute that went just over the crossbar. Defender Pau Navarro missed a shot on goal in the 44th minute, and the first half ended 0-0.
Early in the second half, Morocco opened the scoring in the 54th minute through striker Zabiri, who slipped past the Spanish defense and powerfully shot into the right corner of the net. Morocco doubled their lead in the 58th minute following a counterattack led by Othman Maamar on the right flank. He assisted Yassine Jassim, who easily put the ball into the back of the net.
Othman Maama nearly added a third in the 65th minute after bursting through midfield and bypassing the Spanish defense, but his shot sailed just over the crossbar. In the 78th minute, a penalty was initially awarded to Spain, but after a VAR review showed player Vergil simulated a fall, the decision was overturned.
In the 89th minute, substitute Al-Bahrawi came close to scoring Morocco’s third goal after a one-on-one with the Spanish goalkeeper but shot wide.
It is worth noting that Group C in the U20 World Cup includes Morocco, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico. Morocco will face Brazil next Thursday and then play Mexico the following Sunday.
