The 3rd and last round of the AFCON U23 qualifications started this Wednesday, March 22. Egypt and Senegal have taken a good option by dominating respectively Zambia and Mali.
Fourth of the first two editions in 2011 and 2015, Senegal missed the 2019 edition played in Egypt. For 2023, the Lions are on the right track. They have just dominated Mali in the first leg of the third and final round of qualifying at the Diamniadio Stadium in Dakar (3-1). It is the recent African U20 champion Mamadou Lamine Camara who put Senegal on orbit. The defensive midfielder of RS Berkane opened the score with a direct free kick (12th). Ibrahima Dramé doubled the lead in the 23rd minute with a beautiful cross-shot from the edge of the Malian box.
If Mali managed to reduce the score at the hour of play by Diarra, taking advantage of a loss of ball from Amadou Mbengue (60th), Senegal will quickly regain its two goals. It is Abdallah Sima, who entered the game, who converted a penalty (65th).
Egypt wants to defend its title in Morocco
Egypt also made a step towards the qualification to the AFCON U23 which will take place from November 2 to 26 in Morocco. At home, the Pharaohs won 2-0 against Zambia in the first round. However, the success took time to take shape. Both teams went to the break without a goal.
It is at the return of the locker room that Egypt made the difference. Ibrahim Adel opened the score in the 73rd minute. While Zambia was pushing to get back on track, Abdelrahman Atef put the Egyptians in the clear (88th). The Zambians will have 90 minutes to catch up this Sunday and hope to be in Morocco at the end of the year. It will not be easy against the defending champion of the CAN U23.
On the other hand, there was no winner between Guinea and Nigeria. The two teams left after 90 minutes without any goal (0-0). The return match is scheduled for March 28.
