Morocco stun Spain with 2-0 victory in U-20 World Cup opener

Morocco’s U-20 national team made a dream start to their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign, defeating Spain 2-0 on Sunday night in the opening round of Group C action in Chile.

After a goalless first half, the breakthrough arrived in the 54th minute when Yassir Zabiri finished off a well-worked move to put the Atlas Cubs in front. The advantage was doubled soon after, as Yassine Gessime struck to seal a memorable night for Moroccan football.

At the other end, goalkeeper Yassine Ben Chawich delivered a standout performance, producing a string of crucial saves to deny Spain and preserve a clean sheet.

The match was not without controversy: Morocco saw a third goal from Younes Bahraoui ruled out for offside in the 80th minute, while Spain had a goal chalked off for the same reason. VAR also came into play, awarding La Roja a penalty that failed to change the scoreline, before the referee waved away another spot-kick appeal in stoppage time.

With this victory, Morocco top Group C under head coach Mohamed Wahbi, awaiting the outcome of the Brazil–Mexico clash to complete the first round of fixtures.

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