The competition will reveal the semi-final line-ups on Saturday 1 July. The first 2 qualifiers are Morocco (1st Group A) and Guinea (2nd). Their opponents will be determined by the outcome of the Pool B clashes on the 3rd and final day: Niger-Mali and Egypt-Gabon.The 2 matches will be played concurrently at 8pm GMT.
Niger vs Mali
Niger (2nd, 4pts) meet Mali (3rd, 3pts) in Group B on Matchday 3. All Niger need is a draw to reach the last four. Mali, on the other hand, need to win. This promises to be a thrilling match. After the defeat to Egypt, Mali coach Badara Alou Diallo was quick to focus on the match against Niger, which looks like being a final before its time. "Our next match against Niger will undoubtedly be difficult because our styles of play are similar. We will continue to work tirelessly, fully aware of the importance of the final for our progress in the tournament," he said. "We understand that we are creating a remarkable chapter in Nigerian football. Many of our compatriots follow us closely on social media, and we have received an abundance of messages of support. The players are fuelled by the encouragement of the nation," adds Niger coach Zakariaou Ibrahim Yahaya, who also acknowledges the crucial nature of the match.
Egypt vs Gabon
Egypt are second in Group B with 4 points, level on points with Mena of Niger. The Pharaohs meet Gabon (4th with 0 points). Egypt need to secure 1 point if they are to qualify and not depend on calculations. If, on the other hand, the Pharaohs concede defeat, they will have to hope for a winner in the clash between Mali and Niger. Gabon, who have suffered 2 defeats, may be eliminated, but they will have their work cut out against Egypt in the final group game."Although we have nothing to lose in this final match, we will approach it with the utmost seriousness, and the players will do their utmost to get a win before we return home," says Gabon coach Rogerio Micale.
[CAN U23 Maroc🇲🇦 2023]
Journée 2 | Groupe B
Classement ✅🇪🇬 Égypte 4pts +1
🇳🇪 Niger 4pts +1
🇲🇱 Mali 3pts+1
🇬🇦 Gabon 0pt -3 ❌#TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 pic.twitter.com/QKEncEnbjQ— Le Foot 225 🇨🇮 (@LeFoot225) June 29, 2023
