Morocco overcame debutant Kenya 3-2 in their opening Group B game of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Kenya took a surprise lead through Lawrence Ouma in the 16th minute, but Mohamed Zabiri equalized for Morocco in the 45th minute.
Zabiri was on target again, netting 10 minutes into the second half to put Morocco 2-1 ahead. However, Kenya drew level in the 71st minute thanks to Hassan Beja. Reda Laalaoui got the winner for the North Africans with 12 minutes left, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Earlier on Thursday, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defeated Tunisia 1-0 thanks to Auwal Ibrahim’s first-half strike. The Flying Eagles will now take on Morocco in their second Group B encounter on Sunday, May 4.
The match saw both teams create scoring opportunities, with Morocco’s Zabiri and Kenya’s Ouma and Beja impressing with their skills. Morocco’s win puts them in a strong position in Group B, while Kenya will look to regroup and bounce back in their next match.
The U-20 AFCON tournament continues to showcase young talent from across Africa, with teams battling for a spot in the final stages. Morocco’s victory over Kenya sets the stage for an exciting encounter between Morocco and Nigeria’s Flying Eagles on Sunday.
The Flying Eagles will be looking to build on their momentum after their win over Tunisia, while Morocco will aim to continue their strong form and secure a spot in the next round. The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two talented teams.
With the group stage heating up, teams will need to bring their A-game to secure a spot in the final stages. Morocco’s thrilling win over Kenya has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
As the U-20 AFCON tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and outstanding performances from these young athletes. The competition serves as a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills, potentially launching their careers onto the global stage.