The Mexican U-20 national team had a chaotic close to the group stage of the Maurice Revello 2025 tournament, blowing a 3-1 lead and drawing 3-3 against Congo U-20 in regular time. The Mexican national team lost Ángel Chávez and Stephano Carrillo to red cards. Despite the Mexican team's loss in the penalty shootout, they secured their place in the semifinals, where they will face France, the host nation.
The Mexican national team took 19 minutes to open the scoring in the third round of the Maurice Revello 2025 tournament. The goal came after Philippe Ndinga Ossibadjouo awarded a penalty to Amaury Morales. Yann Batola saved Yael Padilla's penalty from the penalty spot, who had a second chance on the rebound, but sent his shot off the post. The rebound fell to Oswaldo Virgen, who finally tapped it in.
The Mexican team's lead lasted only six minutes, as Congo tied the score with a stunning goal in the 25th minute. Breyton Fougeu took a direct free kick that spun into the corner of Pablo Lara's goal, hitting the crossbar before crossing the goal line, marking the African team's first goal of the tournament.
Mexico regained the lead in the 30th minute through an individual play by Diego Sánchez, who broke down the right flank to send a cross to the penalty spot, where Tahiel Jiménez appeared, scoring the second goal for the Tricolor.
The Mexican national team sealed the match with a goal from Omar Moreno in the 61st minute. Heriberto Jurado sent a through ball to the Mazatlán forward, who quickly beat Congo's defense and then blasted the ball into the net with a right-footed shot.
The match became more complicated for Mexico in the closing minutes. In the 88th minute, Mexico lost Ángel Chávez with a second yellow card after the Necaxa defender brought down Destin Banzouzi inside the box. Congo closed the gap with a penalty from Jean Nyindong.
With Congo focused on attacking, the Mexican national team's desperation was reflected in Stephano Carrillo, who was sent off for an assault on one of the African team's center backs. The defender even collided with the Mexican forward, who responded with a punch, earning him a red card.
The Mexican national team, now down to nine players, retreated to defend their lead, but Jason Bemba emerged on the final play to tie the score with a scissor-kick. The goal scorer was also sent off for two yellow cards: one for removing his shirt and another for celebrating wildly near the Tricolor bench.
Due to the 3-3 tie in regular time, Mexico and Congo played for the extra point in the penalty shootout, where the Tricolor lost after Pumas youth player Ángel Rico missed his penalty kick.
Despite losing on penalties, the Mexican national team secured their place in the Maurice Revello semifinals with a draw in regular time, reaching four points, the same number Japan earned. However, the Tricolor has a better goal difference, which secured them qualification.
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