The Morocco U20 Mediterranean Games campaign moved up a gear as the young Atlas Lions booked their place in the semi-finals with a dominant win over North Macedonia, reigniting pride among Moroccans living abroad.
5-1 win sends Morocco into the last four
On Wednesday at the Franco Fanuzzi Stadium in Brindisi, Italy, Morocco’s U20 national team outclassed North Macedonia 5-1 in the third and final group-stage match of the football tournament at the Mediterranean Games.
The Atlas Lion Cubs struck immediately. Hamza Raji opened the scoring in the 1st minute, setting the tone for the game. Ryan Zenibi doubled the lead in the 38th minute, allowing Morocco to reach half-time with a solid advantage.
After the break, the national team kept pushing. Mohamed Monssef scored the third goal in the 59th minute. In the closing stages, Karim Essaadi (79’) and Abdelghafour Gourari (85’) added two more, sealing a comprehensive Moroccan victory despite conceding once.
Mixed start, strong reaction in the group
This semi-final qualification in the Morocco U20 Mediterranean Games run comes after a more complicated start to the tournament. On matchday one, the Atlas Lion Cubs drew 2-2 with Turkey, before losing 1-0 to Tunisia.
The heavy win over North Macedonia resets the tone and gives new momentum to Morocco’s campaign. For Moroccan fans based across Europe, especially in Italy and neighbouring countries, this qualification is another opportunity to see a national team play close to home.
Moroccans living abroad closely follow youth competitions, seen as the talent pool for future senior squads. With many dual-nationality players regularly called up in youth categories, tournaments like this help strengthen the emotional and sporting bond with the homeland.
Morocco U20 Mediterranean Games semi-final ahead
The semi-final is scheduled for Friday, 28 August, at the Lacovone Stadium in Taranto, still in Italy. Morocco will face the winner of Group B, which includes Algeria, Italy, Albania and Kosovo.
The exact opponent will be confirmed after the final round of group matches. Whatever the outcome, the clash promises to be a real test for this Moroccan U20 generation.
For Moroccans in Europe, the match could be a chance to travel to Taranto to support the team in person, or to follow the game from abroad while sharing the moment online with family and friends.
Beyond football: image and pride
Beyond the scoreline, Morocco’s presence in the last four of the Mediterranean Games enhances the country’s visibility in a regional competition watched on both shores of the Mediterranean.
These performances fuel a sense of pride among Moroccans abroad, who see in these young players the faces of a national football scene still on the rise.
With the semi-final approaching, attention now turns to Taranto, where fans hope to see the Atlas Lion Cubs reach the final.
- 5-1 victory for Morocco U20 over North Macedonia in Brindisi.
- Scorers: Raji (1’), Zenibi (38’), Monssef (59’), Essaadi (79’), Gourari (85’).
- Semi-final on 28 August at the Lacovone Stadium in Taranto.
- Opponent: winner of Group B (Algeria, Italy, Albania, Kosovo).
More information on the competition can be followed through the official channels of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation: https://frmf.ma/.
For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.
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