U-20 AFCON: Morocco vs South Africa- a final with a taste of history

Twenty-eight years after a historic victory against the same opponent, Morocco will face South Africa again this Sunday, May 18, at the Cairo International Stadium (7:00 p.m.), in the final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (U-20 AFCON). The “Atlas Cubs” will have the opportunity to win a second continental title in this category, following in the footsteps of the golden generation of 1997.

The glorious memory of 1997

A little over a quarter of a century ago, it was at the Stade d’Honneur in Meknes on April 5, 1997. Morocco, then led by Rachid Taoussi, won the U-20 AFCON final against South Africa (1-0) thanks to a crisp second-half strike from Adil Ramzi. This goal gave the Kingdom its first-ever continental trophy at the U-20 level, in a competition held on home soil.

The 1997 team advanced from the group stage, finishing second behind Ghana, after a victory over Sudan (2-0), a draw with Egypt (0-0), and a defeat against the Black Satellites (0-1). In the semifinals, the young Moroccans eliminated Côte d’Ivoire (2-1) before defeating the South Africans in a frenzied stadium.

2025: A Solid Performance Under the Leadership of Mohamed Ouahbi

Today, another generation, that of Mohamed Ouahbi, is poised to make history. Morocco had an exemplary performance in this Egyptian edition: a deserved first place in Group B with 7 points (victories against Kenya 3-2 and Tunisia 3-1, and a 0-0 draw against Nigeria), followed by defensive mastery in the knockout phase with two wins by the same score (1-0) against Sierra Leone in the quarterfinals and Egypt in the semifinals.

With a structured game, fluid offensive play, and tactical rigor rarely seen at this level, the young Lions impress with their maturity. They embody the continuity of a federal project focused on training, which is beginning to bear fruit in all age categories.

A symbolic final, revenge in the air

Facing Morocco is a familiar opponent: South Africa, determined to erase the painful memory of 1997. This replay of the Meknes final takes on a special dimension: beyond the trophy, it is a duel between two schools of African football, between the Moroccan technical explosion and the South African physical intensity.

It will also be an opportunity for Morocco to achieve a historic treble in youth competitions. After the Morocco U-23 triumph over Egypt (in Rabat) and the U17s’ victory over Mali (on penalties in Salé), the U-20’s are aiming for a title… this time away from home, proof of the Moroccan national teams’ ability to shine away from home.

Between a glorious past and a promising future

This final is much more than a match. It’s a bridge between generations, between Adil Ramzi’s strike in 1997 and the promise of players like Ben Dahman, Khalloufi, and Yassine Mounir in 2025. It’s also a test of character, in a legendary stadium, under the gaze of a continent, for a Moroccan youth that never ceases to amaze.

A title this Sunday would allow Morocco to complete its continental showcase and confirm its rise to prominence on the African youth scene. And above all, it would offer a passionate nation a new moment of pride, worthy of its dreams.

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.