Morocco kicked off their 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in style, claiming a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over debutants Kenya on Thursday night at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
The result sent the North Africans to the top of Group B on goal difference after Matchday 1.
In a match full of attacking intensity and late drama, Morocco were made to work for the points by a lively Kenyan side who twice took the lead, only to be undone by Moroccan composure and clinical finishing.
Kenya stunned Morocco early when Lawrence Ouma headed home a pinpoint Kevin Injehu free-kick in the 16th minute, giving the East Africans the lead on their first U20 AFCON appearance since 1979.
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Yassir Zabiri equalised for Morocco just before half-time, bundling the ball over the line during a scramble in the box. After a brief VAR check, the goal stood, and the sides went into the break level.
The second half saw Morocco take control. Zabiri doubled his tally with a well-timed header just ten minutes after the restart, only for Kenya to level again in the 71st minute through Hassan Beja, whose crisp finish followed excellent link-up play with Aldrine Kibet.
Morocco are hoping to make a big statement in the 2025 U-20 AFCON. Photo Credit: X
But Morocco had the final say. Reda Laalaoui slotted home the winner in the 78th minute after Saad El Haddad played him through with a clever pass.
Despite missing a late penalty and surviving a scare when Kibet’s header struck the post in stoppage time, Morocco held on for three vital points.
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The win not only highlights Morocco’s attacking quality but also their mental toughness—a trait that could serve them well as the tournament progresses.
Group B Standings After Matchday 1
- Morocco – 3 points (+1 goal difference, 3 goals scored)
- Nigeria – 3 points (+1 goal difference, 1 goal scored)
- Kenya – 0 points (-1 goal difference, 2 goals scored)
- Tunisia – 0 points (-1 goal difference, 0 goals scored)
Earlier in the day, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign with a professional 1-0 win over Tunisia, sealed by a 38th-minute goal from Auwal Ibrahim. The Akwa United forward calmly finished after a smart assist from Emmanuel Okoro.
Tunisia nearly found an equaliser in the dying minutes, but Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt produced a superb reflex save to deny Duva and preserve the win.
Nigeria now prepare for a top-of-the-table showdown with Morocco on Sunday, 4 May 2025—a match that could prove decisive in determining the group winner.
