“Dima Maghreb! (Long live Morocco!)” echoed from the changing rooms louder than ever before.
Morocco are going to the final — and those chants seemed to sweep across the entire nation. Despite limping off injured in the 64th minute, goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch was jumping higher than anyone when the final whistle blew.
Benchaouch’s injury came from a heroic save that kept Morocco alive. Moments later, he was the first to console his French opponents — hugging Elyaz Zidane and comforting Monaco teammate Lucas Michal.
With Benchaouch sidelined, Ibrahim Gomis stepped in. But just before the end of extra time, coach Mohamed Ouahbi made a bold move — bringing on third-choice keeper Hakim Mesbahi, known as the team’s penalty specialist.
The gamble paid off. Mesbahi dove to his right to stop Djylian N’Guessan’s penalty, sparking wild celebrations across Morocco. The Atlas Cubs had done it — they were through to their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup™ final.
On the pitch, Gessime Yassine waved a giant stuffed lion wrapped in the Moroccan flag. Taha Majni, barefoot and overjoyed, FaceTimed his family. Naim Byar joined the celebrations outside the changing rooms.
It was a historic night — Morocco had conquered a tournament featuring heavyweights like Spain, Brazil, and the USA. In a circle around their flag, the team held hands and chanted “Dima Maghreb!” nonstop.
This victory felt like something out of a movie — not just because it came against France or after missed chances and a late red card, but because all three goalkeepers played a part: Benchaouch, Gomis, and Mesbahi.
“I’d like to thank our coach,” said Benchaouch. “We’ve always supported each other. Together, we’ve come this far — and together, we’ll try to win the World Cup.”
Gomis, emotional after the match, added, “My parents were the first to call. They’re proud of us — and we’re proud to make Morocco proud. We didn’t do this just for ourselves, but for the people.”
Many of Morocco’s heroes were born in France — including the first two goalkeepers — yet their hearts belong to their homeland. “Reaching a World Cup final is something Moroccan football has never done,” said one player. “Now we have to finish the job.”
Coach Ouahbi’s daring decision to switch keepers before penalties proved decisive. “I don’t know if that was always his plan,” admitted Benchaouch, “but what matters is that we won — for Morocco.”
Now, the whole country waits for Sunday — when Morocco face Argentina in the final, with one dream in mind: bringing the Cup home.