The 4th edition of the U23 AFCON provided plenty of action, talent and intensity. In the end, it was Morocco who came out on top for the first time in their history. Egypt, unfortunate finalists, reached the final for the second time in a row. Mali finally finished on the podium, taking bronze against Guinea. Morocco, Egypt and Mali have thus qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
After Gabon, Nigeria and Egypt, Morocco have won the trophy for the first time in their history. The second final was the right one for the Moroccans. After failing to win on home soil in 2011, the Atlas Lions picked up their first star of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations at the Moulay Abdallah Complex in Rabat. They came from behind to beat Egypt 2-1. But it was a difficult game for the hosts. The Moroccans took an early goal in the 10th minute. Mahmoud Hassan opened the scoring for Egypt. But the striker was shown the red card, leaving his team-mates outnumbered. Despite the Egyptians' defensive solidity, the Moroccans managed to equalise in the 37th minute with a goal from Begraoui. Targhalline sealed the title for the Kingdom of Morocco in extra time of the first leg of extra time (105+3).
Morocco, best attack
Morocco have had a successful CAN U23.Crowned champions, the Atlas Lion Cubs had the best attack of the tournament with 12 goals. They are far ahead of the second-best attack, Mali, who have 7 goals.If the Moroccans were so clinical in front of goal, it was partly thanks to Abde Ezzalzouli.The Barcelona player outshone the competition. He finished top scorer with 3 goals and top passer at this U23 Africa Cup of Nations with as many assists. A good captain, the 21-year-old striker was the spearhead of the Moroccan team in this competition.
Egypt, the first country to contest two consecutive finals
In four editions, the CAN U23 has seen four different winners. Egypt were on the verge of pulling off a feat.To win the competition for a second consecutive time.Although the Egyptian team did not manage it, they did manage to play in two finals in a row.A first in this competition.Morocco is the other team to have reached two finals, in 2011 and 2023. Egypt will also be taking part in the Olympic Games for the second time in a row.
Egypt, the best defence
Held to a 0-0 draw by Niger in their opening game, Egypt never made the slightest mistake again. At least until the final.The Pharaohs won all their matches without conceding a single goal. It was in the final that the Egyptians scored their only two goals of the competition. And they did so at a numerical disadvantage. Striker Mahmoud Hassan was sent off in the 16th minute. The outgoing champions conceded their first goal in the 37th minute before succumbing in extra time of the first leg of extra time from a set-piece (105+3). Mali at the Olympics, Guinea in the play-offs With a talented team, Mali fell to eventual winners Morocco in the semi-finals.
The Eagles lost on penalties (2-2, 4-3). The Malians can nonetheless be satisfied with their progress. They have managed to secure the third qualifying ticket for the Olympic Games. In the third-place play-off, Mali defeated Guinea on penalties (0-0, 4-3 on penalties). For Guinea, all is not yet lost. The Guineans can still clinch a ticket to Paris 2024. To do so, they will have to beat a country from the Asian Football Confederation in the play-off.
