Morocco introduced their arrival on the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (U20 AFCON) with an exciting 3-2 comeback victory over a spirited Kenya aspect in a pulsating Group B encounter on Thursday night time, Soccernet.ng reviews.
The North Africans, who twice got here from behind in a high-octane contest, now high the group forward of Nigeria after Matchday 1.
Making their first look on the match since 1979, Kenya flew out of the blocks.
Lawrence Ouma gave the East Africans a deserved lead within the sixteenth minute, rising above his marker to energy house Kevin Injehu’s teasing free-kick. It was not more than Kenya’s energetic begin deserved.
The outcomes from an motion packed day of #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/2eAHcULQ9I
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) Might 1, 2025
However Morocco hit again simply earlier than the break.
After a penalty-box scramble, Yassir Zabiri struck a low effort that nestled into the nook. VAR checked for a doable infringement, however the aim stood, and either side went into half-time degree at 1-1.
Zabiri doubled his tally with a scientific header simply ten minutes into the second half to place Morocco forward for the primary time.
However Kenya once more confirmed their combating spirit. Hassan Beja levelled issues within the 71st minute after a wise one-two with Aldrine Kibet opened up area within the Moroccan field.
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) Might 1, 2025
With the sport broad open, Morocco discovered the winner within the 78th minute. Reda Laalaoui latched onto a free ball within the space and well slotted previous Baron Ochieng.
There was nonetheless time for late drama. Morocco missed a penalty within the 89th minute after Othmane Maamma’s effort was saved. Moments later, Kenya almost equalised once more when Kibet’s header struck the put up in stoppage time.
Finally, Morocco held on for all three factors, exhibiting grit and high quality in key moments, whereas Kenya, regardless of the loss, impressed with their fearless attacking show.
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Earlier within the day, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles edged Tunisia 1-0 in a cagey opener additionally on the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
Ibrahim Auwal’s composed end within the thirty sixth minute, following a pinpoint help from Odinaka Okoro, sealed the win for the Flying Eagles.
Regardless of a disjointed efficiency, Nigeria’s defence held agency underneath late Tunisian strain, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt making a few key saves. VAR denied Nigeria a second-half penalty, and each groups spurned a number of late probabilities.
U20 AFCON Group B Standings (After Matchday 1):
- Morocco – 3 pts | GD +1
- Nigeria – 3 pts | GD +1
- Kenya – 0 pts | GD -1
- Tunisia – 0 pts | GD -1
Subsequent fixtures (Might 4):
- Nigeria vs Morocco
- Kenya vs Tunisia
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns right into a ball of ardour when writing about Nigerian soccer and its skills, whether or not rising stars or established legends, domestically and overseas.
From the deepest corners of the Center East, to the inexperienced fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the wealthy soils of Africa, Imhons is greater than glad, often with a glass of a tasty drink close by, to seize the essence of the sport, by connecting the dots between tradition, identification, and soccer.