Morocco have written a new chapter in African football history, becoming only the third African nation ever to reach the FIFA U20 World Cup final — following in the footsteps of Nigeria (1989, 2005) and Ghana (2009).

Goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi emerged as the unlikely hero for the Atlas Cubs, saving Djylian N’Guessan’s decisive penalty in sudden death to send Morocco into Sunday’s final at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago.

Buoyed by their semi-final triumph over the United States, Morocco began brightly. Othmane Mamma went close in the 13th minute with a curling strike that flew just over the bar, before France captain Mayssam Benama forced a sharp save from Yanis Benchaouch moments later.

The breakthrough came shortly after the half-hour mark when Ismael Baouf was fouled in the box by Andrea Le Borgne. Yassir Zabiri’s penalty struck the post, but the rebound deflected off goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta and into the net, giving Morocco a deserved lead.

The Atlas Cubs nearly doubled their advantage five minutes before the interval, but Fouad Zahouani squandered a golden chance from close range. France responded strongly before halftime, with Ilane Toure forcing another fine save from Benchaouch.

French coach Bernard Diomede made several changes at the break, and substitute Moustapha Dabo quickly made an impact, setting up Lucas Michal to score his fifth goal of the tournament and level the match.

With the score tied after 90 minutes, extra time brought more drama. France were reduced to ten men after substitute Rabby Nzingoula received a second yellow card, yet Morocco couldn’t find a winner.

When goalkeeper Benchaouch was forced off injured, Ibrahim Gomis took his place — but coach Hicham Abousfiane made a bold call by bringing on Mesbahi just before the shootout. The decision proved inspired.

In the penalty drama that followed, Mesbahi’s crucial saves delivered a landmark victory, sending Morocco into their first-ever U20 World Cup final, where they will face Argentina for the coveted title.