Morocco emerge as Group B winners at U-20 AFCON following suspenseful conclusion
- Andrew Olsson
- May 7
- 2 min read
Updated: May 7
Three teams in Group B from the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt had plenty at stake as the group concluded on Wednesday with all sides in action at the same time. Morocco found a late goal to clinch first place against North African rivals Tunisia while eliminated Kenya continued to provide a firm challenge and will leave Egypt with a point following their draw with second place Nigeria.
Morocco encountered spirited resistance from Tunisia but progressed as Group B winners following a 3-1 victory in Ismaila. Tunisia left back Anis Doubal's deflected effort early in the second half cancelled out the first half opener from Morocco forward Ayman Arguigue.
However, after being the more threatening team throughout the match, the Lion Cubs broke through with two late goals to secure the victory and first place.
Over in Cairo, Nigeria were left frustrated by a Kenya team that will leave the tournament with a point after playing the Flying Eagles to a 2-2 draw. The Rising Stars were already eliminated before the match but continued to show promise and opened the scoring through captain Kevin Wanganya's penalty kick inside six minutes.
Kparobo Arierhi's goal equalized for Nigeria soon after but Kenya snatched the lead again in the 68th minute from a William Gitamu volley (video above). Daniel Bameyi converted from the penalty spot soon after but Nigeria will have to settle for second place even if it was mission accomplished as far as reaching the quarterfinals.
Morocco will face the runners-up from Group A on while Nigeria await the runners-up from Group C, likely either DR Congo or Senegal. All quarterfinal matches will take place on May 12.
Final Group B Table
Points | GD | |
Morocco | 7 | +3 |
Nigeria | 5 | +1 |
Tunisia | 3 | -1 |
Kenya | 1 | -3 |
Morocco and Nigeria qualify for the quarterfinals.
The two best third place teams from the three groups qualify for the quarterfinals.
Third Place team ranking
GP | Points | |
Tunisia | 3 | 3 |
Zambia | 2 | 2 |
Senegal | 2 | 1 |
Note: Because Group A has five teams, results against the last placed team (Tanzania) do not count. So Zambia has five points but the victory against Tanzania is not considered in the third place team ranking.
