U20 AFCON: Nigeria Drops to Second as Morocco Edges Kenya in Five-Goal Thriller

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde 

Morocco began their CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win over Kenya on Thursday night at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium. Their victory in Group B sets a strong tone for their tournament start.

Nigeria, who beat Tunisia 1-0 earlier in the same group, now sit in second place. They currently have the same points as Morocco but with fewer goals, thanks to a better goal difference of three.

The match was intense, with Morocco overcoming a two-goal deficit to clinch the win. The game had many swings and showed how lively youth football can be across Africa.

Kenya, playing in the tournament for the first time since 1979, started well. In the 16th minute, Lawrence Ouma leapt highest and scored with a header from Kevin Injehu’s perfect free kick, sparking wild celebration from the Kenyan sideline.

Morocco responded just before halftime. A scramble inside the box saw Yassir Zabiri finish with a well-placed shot. After a VAR review, the goal was confirmed despite initial doubts. The teams went into halftime tied at 1-1.

The second half was full of action. Ten minutes after the break, Zabiri scored again with a headed shot, giving Morocco the lead.

Kenya fought back vigorously. In the 71st minute, Hassan Beja hit a powerful shot from the centre of the box after good teamwork with Aldrine Kibet, leveling the score at 2-2.

Morocco wasn’t done. They regained the lead in the 78th minute. Reda Laalaoui scored with a cool finish after a clever pass from Saad El Haddad, making it 3-2.

Late in the match, Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 89th minute. Othmane Maamma’s shot was saved by Kenyan keeper Baron Ochieng, keeping Kenya hopeful.

Kenya pushed hard for an equalizer. In stoppage time, Aldrine Kibet’s header hit the post. Morocco held on to win three crucial points, placing them at the top of Group B after the first matchday.

Kenya left with positives, especially in attack. They played fearlessly and showed creativity. Morocco showed good control and composure. They will be confident ahead of their next game.

Morocco leads Group B with three points and a +1 goal difference. Nigeria sits second, also with three points and the same goal difference after beating Tunisia 1-0. Kenya is third, and Tunisia is last with zero points and a -1 goal difference.