U-20 World Cup: Morocco advance to the quarterfinals

Morocco are the last remaining African team at the 2025 U-20 World Cup in Chile following Thursday’s 2-0 victory over South Korea in the Round of 16.

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— worldcupu20win (@worldcupu20win) October 10, 2025

Yassir Zabiri’s second half strike put the Atlas Lion Cubs beyond reach of South Korea after an early own goal gave the North African side the advantage.

Morocco came into the match following a 0-1 defeat to Mexico at the end of the group stage but the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up showed no ill effects. Thursday’s result was an opportunistic victory from an even and hard fought match where the winners got off to a dream start.

The 8th minute brought the opening goal in a bizarre sequence. A brilliant counter-attack sent captain Othmane Maamma down the right flank and the Watford winger drew out the goalkeeper before sending his ball across the penalty area. Gessime Yassine collected and his shot attempt deflected high into the air before Zabiri’s overhead attempt ricocheted off Shin Min-Ha and into his goal.

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— worldcupu20win (@worldcupu20win) October 9, 2025

The Korean team made plenty of ventures into the attacking third but struggled to carve out good opportunities with the final ball lacking on multiple occasions. After creating a couple of chances, South Korea suffered another blow when Maamma once again got free on the right wing and Zabiri fired in first-time from a firm cross.

South Korea managed to pull a goal back from the penalty spot in the final moments of second half stoppage time but it was too little, too late. Morocco will face the United States in the quarterfinals on Sunday at the same venue as Thursday’s match, the Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua.