With this triumph, Morocco became only the second African nation—after Ghana in 2009—to lift the U20 World Cup. It is, without question, the greatest achievement in the country's footballing history.

The final at the Estadio Nacional began at a blistering pace, with Morocco showing the composure and tactical discipline that had defined their tournament.

Just ten minutes in, Zabiri latched onto a long ball and was brought down by the Argentinian goalkeeper as he prepared to shoot from the edge of the area.

After a brief VAR check, Italian referee Maurizio Mariani deemed that Zabiri was not in full control of the ball, awarding only a free-kick and booking the goalkeeper. It mattered little — Zabiri himself stepped up and curled a magnificent effort into the top-right corner to give Morocco a deserved lead.

Argentina, disjointed and unsettled, struggled to contain Morocco's intensity. Down the right flank, full-back Julio Soler endured a torrid evening against the pace and flair of Othamne Maamma.

The Watford winger was instrumental in the second goal: sprinting onto a long pass in the 28th minute, brushing aside his marker and cutting the ball back for Zabiri to slot home with calm precision.

It was the first time in the tournament that Argentina had trailed — and the first time they had conceded twice. Panic began to set in. Coach Diego Placente reacted by replacing Acuna with Mateo Silvetti, hoping for a spark in attack, but the change did little to restore order.

Silvetti came close just before half-time, but his effort failed to find the net. Moments later, Maamma nearly sealed the result, ghosting past Soler once more, only to see his low shot cleared off the line.

The second half followed a similar pattern: Argentina pushing forward desperately, Morocco defending with admirable organisation and composure. The South Americans' frustration grew, leading to rash tackles and misplaced passes, while Morocco threatened repeatedly on the counter.

When the final whistle blew, Moroccan players collapsed to the turf in tears of joy. The Atlas Lions had done it — world champions for the first time, and a source of immense pride for African football.

Yassir Zabiri

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