In doing so, they became only the third African nation ever to reach the 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 effort in sudden death to send the North Africans into Sunday’s decider billed for Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos, Santiago.
Inspired by their semi-final triumph over the United States, Morocco made a lively start with Othmane Mamma’s curling effort whistling just over the crossbar in the 13th minute.
France captain Mayssam Benama responded seconds later with a fierce shot that Benchaouch did brilliantly to parry away.
The breakthrough came shortly after the half-hour mark when Ismael Baouf was pulled down in the box by Andrea Le Borgne. Yassir Zabiri stepped up, and though his penalty struck the post, the rebound deflected off goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta and over the line to give the Moroccans the lead.
The Atlas Cubs should have doubled their advantage in the 40th minute, but Fouad Zahouani missed a golden opportunity from close range.
The Europeans grew stronger towards half-time, with Ilane Toure forcing Yanis Benchaouch into an excellent save just before the whistle.
France coach Bernard Diomede made several changes at the break, and substitute Moustapha Dabo soon teed up Lucas Michal, who equalised with his fifth goal of the tournament to join the race for the Golden Boot.
The match remained finely poised through extra time, with French substitute Rabby Nzingoula sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
Having already substituted goalkeeper Benchaouch who was forced off injured in the second half, for Ibrahim Gomis, coach Hicham Abousfiane made another bold decision by introducing Mesbahi just before the penalties and the gamble paid off.
In the ensuing shootout, Mesbahi’s heroics sealed a landmark moment as Morocco reached their first-ever U20 World Cup final appearance where they will face Argentina for the top prize.
