Morocco overcomes Kenya in U-20 AFCON comeback victory

@CAF_Online/X

Thursday's action from the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt concluded with a thrilling victory for Morocco, who came back from a first half deficit to defeat Kenya 3-2.

It was far from easy for Morocco who encountered scrappy and difficult opposition from the Kenyan team. A strong start from the Rising Stars ended with a reward in the 16th minute when Kevin Wanganya's free kick found the head of Lawrence Ouma for a well placed header past Morocco goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch.

But Kenya could not quite escape to halftime with the lead. Yasser Zabiti equalized for Morocco just before halftime when an early cross into the Kenyan penalty area caused a scrap for the ball that resulted in an easy finish for the forward, who was cleared of a potential foul call by VAR to confirm the goal.

Zabiri was at it again early in the second half. Morocco right winger Othmane Maamma caused plenty of issues for the Kenyan defense all match and in the 55th minute, Maamma chased down a ball in the corner and weaved past a defender twice before floating a perfect cross for Zabiri to head in at the far post.

Kenya did not go down so easily. When it seemed like Morocco had control of the match, a cross into the Moroccan penalty area was chested down and Hassan Beja arrived to fire in a low shot from the edge of the box to restore parity.

But Morocco continued to push and dominate play for large stretches and eventually got their breakthrough in the 79th minute. Maamma caused more danger on the right wing before his cross found Saad El Haddad, whose shot attempt was blocked but Reda Laalaoui was quickest to react and fire in while the Kenyan defense was more focused on appealing for a foul call.

Group B favorites Nigeria and Morocco are off to winning starts ahead of their clash on Sunday. Kenya will face Tunisia on the same day with both teams eager for their first points at the tournament.