Ouahbi: Morocco respect Egypt, but we’re here to win U20 AFCON
Morocco U-20 coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his team will show “respect, focus and ambition” as they prepare to face hosts Egypt in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025.
Having already secured qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year, the Atlas Lions are now targeting the continental crown—and Thursday’s North African derby in Cairo is a critical hurdle in their path.
“We respect the Egyptian national team a lot. They are determined, resilient, and have quality players,” Ouahbi told reporters at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
“But we want to win this championship. We achieved our first goal by qualifying for the World Cup—now we want to finish the job.”
Respect for Egypt, But Confidence in Morocco’s Identity
Egypt booked their semi-final place after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Ghana in the quarter-finals, coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 before edging the Black Satellites 5-4 on penalties.
Morocco, meanwhile, needed extra time and a stroke of luck—an own goal by Sierra Leone’s Amara Keita in the 115th minute—to progress with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Despite Egypt’s home advantage and momentum, Ouahbi says Morocco’s focus will be inward.
“Our philosophy is simple: we don’t concern ourselves with referees, the pitch, or the crowd,” Ouahbi explained. “We focus on ourselves—our game plan, our discipline, and seizing our opportunities.”
It is an approach that has brought results. Morocco remain unbeaten in the competition and boast one of the tournament’s most impressive defensive records.
Thursday’s encounter at Cairo’s June 30 Stadium (18:00 GMT kick-off) will be a rematch of their 2024 U-20 AFCON qualifier, which Morocco won 2-1.
From Relief to Ambition
Ouahbi admits that securing World Cup qualification has lifted a psychological burden from his squad.
“There was great relief after the quarter-final,” he said. “The players were thrilled to make history, but they are hungry for more. We’ve told them: you don’t just come to a tournament to qualify—you come to win.”
This is Morocco’s first appearance in the U-20 AFCON semi-finals since 2005. A win on Thursday would send them to their first final in nearly four decades, as they chase a maiden continental title.
North African Battle on the Horizon
The semi-final clash pits two North African giants against each other in what promises to be a high-stakes, emotionally charged battle.
Both teams are known for their tactical discipline and flair, and both have shown grit to overcome adversity in the tournament so far.
The winner will face either Nigeria or South Africa—who meet in the other semi-final in Ismailia—in Sunday’s final.
For Ouahbi, it’s about finishing strong: “This group has given everything. Now we want to give our country something to celebrate.”