Akin Ayomide
Argentina and Morocco are set for the final clash of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after the Albicelestes edged Colombia 1–0 in their semi-final game on Thursday.
Argentina’s victory is thanks to Mateo Silvetti’s 74th-minute goal and a crucial red card that left the Colombians a man down late at Estadio Nacional de Santiago stadium.
Gianluca Prestianni created space on the right and delivered an assist that Silvetti slammed home from the centre of the box, giving Argentina the lead at a tense phase of the match.
Colombia pushed for an equaliser but could not break down the Argentine defence.
With the victory, Morocco will on Monday, October 20, battle for the championship with Argentina, who is reaching final for the eighth time, having won the competition on a record six occasions.
The Atlas Cubs made history to qualify for their first final, the third African country after Ghana and Nigeria. They beat France on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw that lasted 120 minutes at the Elías Figueroa Brande Stadium on Wednesday.
Morocco took the lead in the 32nd minute when a penalty converted by Yassir Zabiri ended up as an own goal off French defender Lisandru Olmeta.
France restored parity in the second half through Lucas Michal’s strike (59′), and the match remained level at full time despite several late chances for both sides.
Morocco converted six spot-kicks to France’s five, with takers including Younes El Bahraoui, Ilias Boumassaoudi, Yassir Zabiri, Mohamed Hamony, Saad El Haddad and Byar.
France and Colombia will play their third-place play-off on Saturday, October 18.