Morocco upset Argentina to win their first ever FIFA U20 World Cup.

Yassir Zabiri’s double proved to be the difference in a dramatic decider played in Chile’s capital, Santiago.

Morocco is only the second African team to win the competition after Ghana, whom Andre Ayew helped to glory in 2009.

Argentina were the overwhelming favourites. They had won a record six titles and only lost one final, while Morocco were appearing in the fixture for the first time.

Moreover, the Albiceleste had won all six of their outings from the group stage to the knockout phase, scoring 15 goals and conceding only two, while the Atlas Cubs had lost to Mexico and only got past France on penalties.

The script nevertheless began unravelling early at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago. Zabiri went racing through on goal, dinked the ball over Santino Barbi and was clattered down by the Argentina goalkeeper.

Morocco wanted a red card and a penalty, but following a VAR review, a yellow and a free-kick were given. The Atlas Cubs’ disappointment was short-lived, however, with Zabiri majestically curling the set-piece into the top corner.

Diego Placente’s side immediately went on the attack, but Ouahbi’s charges struck them on the counter to double the advantage. Ismael Baouf recovered possession admirably and fed player of the tournament Othmane Maamma, whose cross was volleyed home emphatically by Zabiri for a 2-0 advantage at the break.

The North Africans went close moments after the restart, Zabiri conning his man and arrowing the ball just wide from outside the box. Argentina responded when sliding substitute Ian Subiabre shot over following slick wing play from Gianluca Prestianni.

Thereafter, although Argentina monopolised possession and won a series of corners, infallible defending from Baouf, Fouad Zahouani and Co meant they barely troubled goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations from the Moroccan players. Forty-eight years after the Atlas Cubs participated in the inaugural FIFA U-20 World Cup, they had got their hands on the trophy.

Morocco’s Othmane Maamma and USA’s Benjamin Cremaschi have won the Golden Ball (Player of the Tournament) and Golden Boot (Top Scorer) respectively.

FULL AWARDS;

Golden Ball: Othmane Maamma (Morocco)
Silver Ball: Yassir Zabiri (Morocco)
Bronze Ball: Milton Delgado (Argentina)
Golden Boot: Benjamin Cremaschi (USA)
Silver Boot: Neyser Villareal (Colombia)
Bronze Boot: Lucas Michal (France)
Golden Glove: Santino Barbi (Argentina)
Fair Play award: USA

More reporting by FIFA.com.