Egypt forwards Mohamed Zaalouk and Ahmed Sharaf are vying for the ball during the 1-0 defeat to Morocco in the U-20 African Cup of Nations semifinal at Cairo's Air Defense Stadium on Thursday 15 May 2025. Photo: Egyptian Football Association's official X account.
Second-half substitute Jones El-Abdellaoui struck the decisive goal in the 77th minute, capitalizing on a low cross from Ismaël Aouad to seal Morocco’s historic progression to their first final since 2005.
The Young Atlas Lions will face South Africa in Sunday’s title decider, following Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the earlier semifinal.
Egypt, meanwhile, must regroup for a third-place playoff against Nigeria on the same day.
The match unfolded as a fiercely contested North African derby, characterized by intense physicality and tactical discipline.
Egypt, playing in front of their home crowd, started brightly, pressing high and creating early opportunities.
However, Morocco’s disciplined defense and growing dominance in midfield gradually tilted the momentum their way as the game progressed.
Throughout the first half, both teams exchanged attacks but lacked clinical finishing.
Morocco tested Egypt’s backline with efforts from Reda Laalaoui, Fouad Zahouani, and Hossam Essadak, but goalkeeper Abdel-Moneim Tamer and the Egyptian defenders held firm.
Morocco grew into the game after the break, with Hossam Essadak testing goalkeeper Tamer twice in quick succession, including a fierce 57th-minute drive that forced a double save.
Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s substitutions proved pivotal.
El-Abdellaoui, introduced in the 65th minute, broke the deadlock 12 minutes later, slotting home Aouad’s precise delivery from the right flank.
Egypt responded by bringing on Mohamed Raafat and Omar Fathy, but their late surges, including a Kabaka free-kick and Raafat’s close-range effort, were thwarted by Morocco’s organized backline, which has conceded just two goals in the tournament.
The win marks Morocco’s third appearance in the final of the tournament which they claimed its title in 1997.
For the four-time champions, Egypt, this is the fourth time they play a third-place decider since the 2011 edition in South Africa.
All four semi-finalists have qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
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