Heartbreak for Morocco as South Africa Clinches U-20 AFCON Title

In a stunning upset, Morocco’s U-20 team, the Atlas Cubs, fell to a 1-0 defeat against South Africa in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. The match, played at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, saw Morocco dominate possession and create multiple scoring opportunities, but ultimately succumb to a brilliant long-range strike from Gomolemo Kekana in the 70th minute.

Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, was left struggling to come to terms with the defeat, insisting that his team was the better side. "I still don’t understand how we didn’t win this final," he said. "We had the upper hand in every aspect – possession, chances, territory, corner kicks – everything. But somehow the trophy slipped through our fingers." Morocco had been bidding to add the U-20 crown to their U-17 title secured in Algeria last month and the U-23 championship won last year.

Despite their dominance, Morocco was unable to break down a resolute South African defense, which was marshaled by outstanding goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe, who was named Man of the Match. Morocco’s players, including emerging stars like Hossam El Sadek, Othmane Maamma, and Hossam Essadak, gave their all, but it was not enough to secure the win. Ouahbi refused to criticize his players, saying, "The boys gave everything. Football can be cruel. You dominate, you dictate, you press, and one moment changes everything. But that’s the nature of this sport."

The defeat marked the second time Morocco had contested the U-20 AFCON final, having won the title in 1997 when they hosted the tournament. South Africa, on the other hand, made history by clinching their first U-20 continental title, becoming the 12th nation to lift the trophy since its inception. Morocco will now regroup and begin preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, which kicks off in September. They will be joined in Chile by fellow African representatives South Africa, Nigeria, and hosts Egypt.

As Morocco looks to the future, Ouahbi remains optimistic, saying, "I want to salute the players for their courage and commitment. They are heartbroken now, but this experience will make them stronger. Our focus must now turn to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. We will regroup, learn from this, and represent Morocco with pride." With their ability to control games and attacking fluency, the Atlas Cubs will be a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.