Morocco’s U20 national team delivered a statement performance on Wednesday, overcoming North Macedonia 5-1 to book their place in the Mediterranean Games semifinals.
After a difficult opening to Group A, the Atlas Cubs needed a strong result in their final group fixture, and they delivered in emphatic fashion.
A Perfect Start
Morocco wasted no time making their intentions clear.
Hamza Raji opened the scoring in the first minute, giving the Atlas Cubs an early advantage and setting the tone for an impressive attacking display.
Morocco continued to control the game and were rewarded again in the 36th minute when Rayan
Zinebi Talbi doubled the lead, sending his side into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
Morocco Turn Up the Pressure
The Atlas Cubs maintained their momentum after the break, continuing to dominate the contest.
Mohamed Mounssef added Morocco’s third in the 58th minute, putting the result firmly within reach.
Karim Saadi then extended the advantage in the 78th minute before Abdelghafour Gourari completed the five-goal haul six minutes later, sealing a memorable 5-1 victory.
Through to the Semifinals
The result lifted Morocco to four points in Group A, enough to secure second place and a spot in the semifinals.
Tunisia topped the group, while Morocco advanced ahead of Türkiye on goal difference after the Atlas Cubs recovered impressively from their opening two matches.
Morocco began the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Türkiye before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tunisia.
One Step From the Final
The Atlas Cubs will now turn their attention to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Group B on Friday, August 28, at the Lacovone Stadium in Taranto.
Group B features Algeria, Italy, Albania, and Kosovo, with their final standings set to determine Morocco’s opponent.
After a challenging start, Morocco have found their rhythm at exactly the right moment.
The Atlas Cubs are now just one victory away from reaching the Mediterranean Games final and keeping their hopes of bringing home a medal alive.