Morocco have booked their place in the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after defeating France 6–5 on penalties following a tense 1–1 draw that stretched through 120 minutes at the Elías Figueroa Brande Stadium.
The North Africans held their nerve in Wednesday night’s shootout and will now face the winner between Colombia and Argentina in the final.
Morocco took the lead in the 32nd minute when Yassir Zabiri’s penalty deflected off French defender Lisandru Olmeta into his own net.
France equalised in the 59th minute through Lucas Michal, and despite several chances for both sides, the match ended 1–1 after full time.
Morocco’s first-choice goalkeeper, Yanis Benchaouch, was forced off with an injury in the second half and replaced by Ibrahim Gomis.
France were reduced to 10 men during extra time after Rabby Nzingoula received a second yellow card, but Morocco failed to take advantage before the final whistle.
In the penalty shootout, Morocco converted six of their spot-kicks through Younes El Bahraoui, Ilias Boumassaoudi, Yassir Zabiri, Mohamed Hamony, Saad El Haddad, and Byar, while France missed one crucial kick.
It was a night of joy for Moroccan fans in Valparaíso, who erupted in celebration as their team reached the U-20 World Cup final for the first time.
France will now play in the third-place match.
