Soccer
Morocco announced their arrival at the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (U20 AFCON) with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over a spirited Kenya side in a pulsating Group B encounter on Thursday night, Soccernet.ng reports.
The North Africans, who twice came from behind in a high-octane contest, now top the group ahead of Nigeria after Matchday 1.
Making their first appearance at the tournament since 1979, Kenya flew out of the blocks.
Lawrence Ouma gave the East Africans a deserved lead in the 16th minute, rising above his marker to power home Kevin Injehu’s teasing free-kick. It was no more than Kenya’s energetic start deserved.
The results from an action packed day of #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/2eAHcULQ9I
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 1, 2025
But Morocco hit back just before the break.
After a penalty-box scramble, Yassir Zabiri struck a low effort that nestled into the corner. VAR checked for a possible infringement, but the goal stood, and both sides went into half-time level at 1-1.
Zabiri doubled his tally with a clinical header just ten minutes into the second half to put Morocco ahead for the first time.
But Kenya again showed their fighting spirit. Hassan Beja levelled matters in the 71st minute after a smart one-two with Aldrine Kibet opened up space in the Moroccan box.
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 1, 2025
With the game wide open, Morocco found the winner in the 78th minute. Reda Laalaoui latched onto a loose ball in the area and smartly slotted past Baron Ochieng.
There was still time for late drama. Morocco missed a penalty in the 89th minute after Othmane Maamma’s effort was saved. Moments later, Kenya nearly equalised again when Kibet’s header struck the post in stoppage time.
Ultimately, Morocco held on for all three points, showing grit and quality in key moments, while Kenya, despite the loss, impressed with their fearless attacking display.
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Earlier in the day, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles edged Tunisia 1-0 in a cagey opener also at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
Ibrahim Auwal’s composed finish in the 36th minute, following a pinpoint assist from Odinaka Okoro, sealed the win for the Flying Eagles.
Despite a disjointed performance, Nigeria’s defence held firm under late Tunisian pressure, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt making a couple of key saves. VAR denied Nigeria a second-half penalty, and both teams spurned several late chances.
Soccer 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
Soccer Next fixtures (May 4):
- Nigeria vs Morocco
- Kenya vs Tunisia
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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