Host nation Morocco secured their first U-23 Africa Cup of Nations title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Egypt on Saturday night in Rabat.
Despite Egypt being reduced to ten men in the first half, Morocco emerged victorious in extra time.
Egypt took an early lead as Mahmoud Saber unleashed a brilliant curler into the top corner, giving his team an advantage after just nine minutes. However, Saber’s joy turned into despair when he received a red card eight minutes later for a reckless challenge on Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Egypt put up a resilient defence for the remaining minutes of regular time. However, in the 37th minute, their defence faltered, allowing Yanis Begraoui to score the equalizer for Morocco.
The match proceeded into extra time after both halves concluded without any additional goals. It was during the first half of extra time that Morocco seized the lead, with substitute Oussamna Targhalline capitalizing on a free kick from Ezzalzouli, delivering a powerful strike that eluded the Egyptian goalkeeper, making it 2-1 in favour of Morocco.
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Despite Egypt’s efforts to secure a late equalizer, Morocco held on to claim victory and secure their first U-23 AFCON trophy.
With this win, both Morocco and Egypt have secured their spots in next year’s Olympic Games in Paris. They will be joined by Mali, who secured their qualification by defeating Guinea in the third-place playoff game on Saturday.
Guinea still has a chance to secure a place as the fourth African side at the Olympic Games in Paris, but they will need to win an intercontinental playoff.