Day 2 of Group A was played on Tuesday 27 June 2023. In the match between Morocco and Ghana, the Atlas Lions outclassed the Black Meteors (5-1), while Guinea repositioned themselves after their 3-1 win over Congo.
Morocco beat Ghana 5-1 in front of their home crowd
The clash between Morocco and Ghana on Matchday 2 of Group A of the CAN U23 was spectacular. With qualification for the semi-finals at stake, Morocco put on a great show for their fans to dominate the Black Meteors. The first 30 minutes were one-way traffic, with the Atlas Lions scoring 3 goals thanks to Amir Richardson (6th), Ismael Saibari (14th) and Yanis Begraoui (29th). Salim Adams (42') reduced the deficit before the break, as if to show that Ghana had a presence in this match.
The fireworks then continued with a goal from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (48th), who had been in the news in recent days with the Catalan press revealing Barcelona's reluctance to see their striker take part in this match. The Ghanaian defence was powerless to cope with the Moroccans' onslaught, and Yanis Begraoui (53rd) scored twice on a night rich in goals. Impressive in their two Group A matches, the Atlas Lions have qualified for the semi-finals and are the favourites for this U23 Africa Cup of Nations.
Guinea bounce back
Win or perish! That could have been the title of the match between Guinea and Congo. Both sides had lost their opening matches, and the aim was to win and book a place in the final on the last day of the CAN U23 with a view to qualifying for the semi-finals. The Syli National got off to a good start and were rewarded when Aguibou Camara opened the scoring (10th). But Congo responded before the break with an equaliser from Yann Ngatse (40').
Guinea coach Morlaye Cissé's men came back from the break with more intent, as evidenced by Jacques Bowamba's own goal (54th). Under pressure, Congo went down when Dhoby Foutou was sent off in the 72nd minute. It was enough for Guinea to put the Congolese dreams to bed with the final goal scored by Salifou Soumah (84th). With this win and Ghana's defeat, Guinea can qualify for the third and final round if they win.
Seydouba Cisse wins the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award! 🏅🔝🤩
#TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 | @Football2gether | #CGOGUI pic.twitter.com/KQdo6u27u0
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 🏆 (@CAF_Online) June 27, 2023
