Morocco U20 Storm Into Mediterranean Games Semifinals

Casablanca – Morocco’s U20 national team bounced back from a difficult start to the Mediterranean Games with a commanding 5-1 victory over North Macedonia today, securing a place in the semifinals.

The Atlas Cubs entered the final Group A fixture with just one point from their opening two matches after drawing 2-2 with Turkiyeand suffering a 1-0 defeat to Tunisia.

Morocco made the perfect start against North Macedonia, with Hamza Raji opening the scoring in the first minute.

Rayan Talbi Zinebi doubled the advantage in the 36th minute, giving Morocco a 2-0 lead at halftime.

The Atlas Cubs continued to dominate after the break, with Mohamed Monsef adding a third goal in the 58th minute.

Karim Saadi extended Morocco’s lead in the 78th minute before Abdelghafour Kourari completed the scoring six minutes later to seal a 5-1 victory.

The result lifted Morocco to four points in Group A and secured their place in the last four alongside Tunisia. The Atlas Cubs advanced ahead of Turkey on goal difference.

Morocco will now face the winner of Group B in the semifinal on Friday, August 28, at the Lacovone Stadium in Taranto.

Group B includes Algeria, Italy, Albania, and Kosovo, with the final standings determining Morocco’s semifinal opponent.

This commanding victory marks a strong turnaround for Morocco after their defeat to Tunisia and keeps their hopes of claiming a medal at the Mediterranean Games alive.