Atlas Lions Shine in Chile, Advance to World Cup Semifinals with 3-1 Victory Over the USA
The Moroccan U20 national team secured their place in the semifinals of the U20 World Cup in Chile, defeating the United States 3-1 in a match held today, Sunday, at the “El Teniente” Stadium in Rancagua.
The match began with a strong American press, but the Moroccan defense remained firm thanks to the solid organization by goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch and his backline teammates. The players, under the guidance of coach Mohamed Wahbi, relied on quick counterattacks that unsettled the opposing defense and threatened their goal on several occasions.
Fouad Zahouani opened the scoring in the 31st minute following a coordinated attack, before Cole Campbell leveled for the USA with a penalty kick in stoppage time of the first half.
In the second half, the Moroccan team imposed their style and dominated the game. Yassir Zabiri scored the second goal with a powerful shot in the 67th minute, while Yassine Jassim capped the victory with the third goal in the 88th minute, confirming the Atlas Lions’ superiority and leading them to the final four.
This qualification marks the second time in Moroccan football history, following the achievement of the 2005 edition in the Netherlands. The Moroccan team will face the winner of the match between Norway and France in the semifinals next Wednesday.
