Morocco booked their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over debutants Sierra Leone, courtesy of a heartbreaking own goal by Amara Keita.
Played at Cairo’s 30 June Air Defence Stadium, the quarter-final clash was a tense, hard-fought encounter. Morocco, Group B winners and tournament favourites, dominated possession and chances, but found Sierra Leone’s defence difficult to break down.
Despite being reduced to ten men in the 90th minute after a VAR-reviewed red card for substitute Samba Bah, Sierra Leone held firm until the 115th minute when Keita, under pressure, deflected a cross into his own net.
The result not only sends Morocco into the last four but also secures their qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Sierra Leone, who shocked hosts Egypt with a 4-1 group stage win, were resolute throughout. Goalkeeper Mohamed Bai Kamara delivered a heroic performance, denying multiple Moroccan chances from the likes of Jones El Abdellaoui and Ismaël Baouf.
A late strike from Momoh Kamara nearly snatched victory for Sierra Leone, but Morocco keeper Taha El Harrak made a crucial save.
For Morocco, it’s their first semi-final appearance since 2005 and a continuation of their impressive unbeaten streak in the competition.
Though eliminated, Sierra Leone exit with heads held high, having exceeded expectations and left a strong impression in their maiden U20 AFCON campaign.
