Morocco’s hopes of lifting a second U20 Africa Cup of Nations title were dashed after a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the final.
Despite reaching the tournament’s final game unbeaten, the Atlas Cubs struggled defensively from the outset, with South Africa creating several early openings that exposed Morocco’s back line.
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After a goalless first half, the breakthrough came in the 70th minute when Gomolemo Kekana capitalised on poor defensive organisation to fire home the winner for Bafana Bafana.
Morocco pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but failed to convert a series of late chances due to wastefulness in the final third and a lack of composure under pressure.
It was a disappointing end for a Moroccan side that had shown promise throughout the tournament. The defeat denies them a second U20 African title, their only previous triumph coming in 1997 under coach Rachid Taoussi.
Despite the result, Morocco, along with South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria, have all secured qualification for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup to be held from September 27 to October 19 in Chile.
