U20 World Cup: Othmane Maamma reveals Morocco target ahead of Argentina final

Morocco national U17 team wing wizard Othmane Maamma is beaming with confidence heading into their final against Argentina in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile on Monday.

The Atlas Cubs will face the six-time champions at Chile’s Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos looking to bring the title to Africa. Morocco’s journey in the tournament saw them top Group C table with two wins from three games, including victories against former winners Spain and Brazil.

Morocco then went ahead to beat the Republic of Korea, the United States of America and France on penalties in the knockout rounds to book a spot in the final.

‘It’s an incredible feeling to reach final’

“You can’t imagine it,” Maamma told FIFA.com ahead of the final. “We’ve never done it before. Also, just to get to the final, or even the semi-final like we did 20 years ago, is something that we’ll never forget.”

He added: “It’s an incredible feeling that I wish everyone in the world could experience. Honestly, it’s magical. It’s fantastic, especially knowing that we’ve made it so far in the competition.

“So you feel even more emotions and feelings as it goes on. It’s amazing. We’ve managed to reach the final, which is a huge accomplishment. Honestly, I’m really happy with the team, players and everyone who is behind us.”

How Morocco beat France on penalties to reach final

On what moment stands out for him so far in the tournament, he said: “I think getting through the group stage. To beat Spain and Brazil is truly something special. They were our first two games and no-one thought that we’d make it so far. We’ve made history in getting to the final. No Moroccan team has ever done that, so it’s a great feeling.”

The skipper, who has brought goals, assists and flair to the front line concluded: “As a footballer, you always have to be positive, in the sense that we have a great squad full of talented players and also fantastic backroom staff.

“Everyone is doing really well and, honestly, the thought of going out hasn’t crossed our minds at all. We haven’t thought about going back to our clubs. We are focused on going as far as possible because we have the quality to do so. Why stop now?”

Morocco will aim to lift their maiden title while Argentina will be chasing a record-extending seventh triumph.