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Third keeper is irrelevant? For Morocco, he was vital
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 16.10.25. | 12:23
The Atlas Lions reached the U-20 World Cup final, knocking out France on penalties in the semis, all thanks to their third goalie's magnificent performance
They say the loneliest position in football is the goalkeeper because when he makes a mistake, he can't share responsibility - it's only his.
If this is true, then the loneliest place on the bench has to be the one where a third custodian sits. Not only does he barely get a chance to play, but most fans don't even know their favourite team's third goalie's name!
Do you know who Real Madrid's third keeper is? What about Barca's, Man United's, PSG's, Bayern's? It's hard to remember, isn't it? And that's the whole point.
However, once in a blue moon, somewhere, one of the numerous third keepers in football gets a chance to get up from his lonely bench spot and shine. And when he seizes that golden opportunity and does it on the biggest stage, at the World Cup, it's huge success.
Last night, at the FIFA U-20 WC, Morocco and France faced each other in the semi-finals. In the 64th minute of the clash, at 1-1, the Atlas Lions' first-choice custodian, Yanis Benchaouch, went down with an injury, giving up his place between posts to his understudy, Ibrahim Gomis.
The stand-in did a magnificent job, keeping his net intact for the remainder of the match and the extra time, but then, Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi made a move that walks the fine line between genius and insanity. He replaced Gomis with the third keeper, Hakim Mesbahi, deep in added time, just before the penalty shoot-out.
Each side missed one shot during the first five series, but Mesbahi didn't stop an effort, as France's Gady Beyuku hit the post. Everyone started doubting the manager's "wild call."
Morocco to the U20WC final.
— herculez gomez (@herculezg) October 16, 2025
GK Benchaouch started, but an injury forced him to leave the match.
Gomis, took over in goal until the 125th minute.
He was forced out, & El Mesbahi was brought in at the end of the match. He was the hero in the shootout.
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However, once the decisive part of the shoot-out began, the FAR Rabat goalie stepped up and saved Djylian N'Guessan's attempt, launching his team to the grand final!
On Sunday, the Atlas Lions will face Argentina in a trophy match, and their coach Ouahbi will have a tough decision to make and choose who'll start in goal. Either way, the next time you think a third custodian is irrelevant, just remember Morocco and Hakim Mesbahi.
