Morocco Beats Egypt, Wins First U-23 AFCON Title
Morocco made history on Saturday night, clinching its first U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a thrilling 2-1 victory against 10-man Egypt after extra time, at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The hosts featured Yanis Begraoui in attack, with Ismael Saibari and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli supporting on the flanks. For Egypt, Osama Faisal led the line while Ibrahim Adel and Ahmed Atef were on the wings as they looked to retain their title.
Egypt took an early lead when midfielder Mahmoud Saber unleashed a brilliant curler into the top corner, giving his team an advantage after just nine minutes of play.
However, Saber’s night quickly turned sour as he received a red card eight minutes later for a reckless challenge on Moroccan winger Ezzalzouli.
Despite being reduced to ten (10) men, Egypt managed to hold its ground until the 37th minute when Morocco equalised. The Egyptian defence faltered, which allowed striker Yanis Begraoui to score for the hosts.
The first and second halves concluded without any additional goals, leading the match into extra time.
It was during the first half of extra time that Morocco seized the lead, putting Egypt behind for the first time in the competition.
Substitute Oussamna Targhalline capitalised on a free kick from Ezzalzouli, delivering a powerful strike that eluded the Egyptian goalkeeper, making the scores 2-1.
Egypt were on the ropes and needed a late equaliser to spark any glimmer of hope. However, their efforts proved fruitless as Morocco held on to claim a 2-1 victory.
Morocco have now secured its first U-23 Africa Cup of Nations trophy in its history.
Morocco have been on an impressive run throughout the U-23 AFCON tournament and have remained unbeaten to claim the coveted title.
While Egypt aimed to retain the title, the host nation were eager to etch its name in African football history.
FULL-TIME! ⏰
Hosts Morocco have won it after 120 minutes here at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium 🥵
🇲🇦 2-1 🇪🇬 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 | #MAREGY pic.twitter.com/UA7nG0RKce
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 🏆 (@CAF_Online) July 8, 2023
Both Morocco and Egypt have earned their spots in next year’s Olympic Games, set to take place in Paris, alongside Mali, who secured their qualification after defeating Guinea in the third-place playoff game on Saturday.
Guinea can still secure a place as the fourth African side at the Olympic Games in Paris but they have to win a playoff against a yet-to-be-decided Asian opponent.
MOROCCO ARE OUR #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 CHAMPIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! 👏🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/cYPWrcwd9C
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 🏆 (@CAF_Online) July 8, 2023
