Morocco’s U-20 national team finished their group-stage campaign unbeaten with a convincing 3-1 victory over regional rivals Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium, securing top spot in Group B of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Ayman Arguigue opened the scoring for the Young Atlas Lions just before halftime, capping off a dominant first-half performance. Tunisia hit back through Anis Doubal early in the second half, but late goals from Smail Bakhty and substitute Jones El Abdellaoui sealed Morocco’s second win of the tournament.
With Nigeria drawing 2-2 against Kenya in the other Group B match, Morocco finished with seven points, two clear of second-placed Nigeria. Tunisia, who ended the group with three points and a negative goal difference, must now wait to see if they qualify for the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams.
Morocco started brightly, creating chances with pace and precision. Their pressure paid off in the 44th minute when Arguigue finished a flowing move, guided by a perfect Zahouani cross.
Tunisia responded strongly after the break, and Doubal’s long-range equaliser in the 53rd minute momentarily shifted momentum. But Morocco’s depth and composure came through late in the game.
Bakhty restored the lead in the 86th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the box, and El Abdellaoui added the third in stoppage time after a swift counterattack. With this result, Morocco extended their unbeaten group-stage run in the U-20 AFCON to nine matches, underscoring their consistency and defensive discipline.
Tunisia, meanwhile, must hope other results go in their favour to remain in contention, having shown promise in attack but struggled to contain stronger opposition.
