Morocco end 20-year wait with famous win over Spain at U-20 World Cup

Morocco marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Spain in Santiago, their first win at the finals in 20 years.

Second-half strikes from Yassir Zabiri and Gessime Yassine sealed the result for Mohamed Ouahbi’s side, who showed discipline at the back and sharpness in attack to secure all three points in Group C.

After a lively but goalless first half, Zabiri made amends for an early miss when he raced clear of the Spanish defence in the 54th minute and calmly beat goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez.

Four minutes later Morocco struck again, Yassine turning in Othmane Maamma’s low cross from close range to double the advantage.

Spain thought they had been handed a lifeline with 11 minutes left when awarded a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision, ensuring Morocco held firm to claim a famous win.

Coach Ouahbi hailed the performance but urged caution. “Winning 2-0 against Spain, not conceding any goals, creating chances, showing quality, demonstrating our ability to keep possession and defending well... we’re happy.

"But it’s only three points, we haven’t achieved anything yet,” he said. “Confidence is growing, but we want to remain humble.”

Goalscorer Yassine dedicated the win to Moroccan fans: “It’s great to score for the people, for the nation, for my family, it’s extremely gratifying. Against Brazil, we’ll give it our all and try to achieve the same joy we had today.”

The result gives Morocco their first normal-time victory at the U-20 World Cup since defeating Japan in 2005 — a gap of 7,404 days.

They now face Brazil next, while Spain will seek to recover against Uzbekistan.