U23 AFCON: 5 things to take from the group stage

Morocco put on a show of strength

If one side has stood out during the group stage of the U23 AFCON, it is Morocco. Morocco's Atlas Lions won all their games with great composure. They thrashed Ghana 5-1 on matchday 2 before getting past Congo (0-1), fielding a completely changed side on the 3rd and final matchday. With 8 goals scored and 2 conceded, the Moroccans have the best attack and the 2nd best defence behind Egypt (zero goals conceded). They will face Mali in the semi-finals, a match on which coach Issame Charaï is already focused. "It's another tournament starting. We don't yet know our opponent. We will watch Saturday's two matches and prepare for that meeting," he said after the win over Congo.

Mali, a historic first semi-final

Since their comeback against Senegal in qualifying for the U23 AFCON (2-0, 3-0), the Eaglets of Mali have kept pulling off the feat. With the last qualifying spot in Group B being contested between them and Niger, the Malians won 0-2 to reach the semi-finals. It is a historic qualification for Mali. They will have their work cut out against Morocco in the last four. According to coach Alou Badara Diarra, they are already ready to take on the Atlas Lions.

Read more on the same subject: Egypt and Mali reach the last four

"We are afraid of nothing. Before the match, we were already prepared to face Morocco if we qualified. They will have the backing of their fans. Mentally, my players can't wait to get back on the pitch and play this match. During the two days we have left before the game, we will prepare well because several things are at stake, including qualification for the Paris Olympics," he said at the post-match press conference.

Egypt, the big favourites

As holders, Egypt will play their 3rd semi-final in 4 editions. The Pharaohs, not flamboyant since the start of the competition, remain very solid nonetheless. In 3 matches, they took 7 points and did not concede a goal, making theirs the best defence in the tournament. They have struggled in attack, though (3 goals scored). With such defensive solidity and their status as holders, Egypt are still big favourites for the title. Coach Rogerio Micale is aware of that, even if he regards Guinea as a tough opponent. "The semi-final will be at a higher level and our opponent, Guinea, are tough. But our priority remains to keep the trophy," he explained at the post-match press conference.

Read more on the same subject: U20 AFCON: Ghana coach disappointed by failure

Zero points for Gabon's Panthers

With 3 defeats in 3 matches, Gabon finish bottom of their group. It was a disastrous U23 AFCON campaign, all the more so as the Panthers scored only one goal. They conceded 6, on the other hand, giving them the worst attack and the worst defence. Despite the elimination, Gabon coach Saturnin Ignambi remains convinced the tournament was beneficial for his players. "They got great exposure. They are the stars of tomorrow," he said.

Ez Abde on course to be MVP

Flamboyant for Osasuna this season (4 goals, 2 assists in La Liga), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, known as Ez Abde, continues his remarkable rise at this U23 AFCON. As captain of the Atlas Lions, the Barcelona forward has been carrying his team since the start of the tournament. He has 3 goals and 2 assists in 2 games. He was among the key players rested for the 3rd match against Congo (0-1). Skilful and clever, Ez Abde can play on both flanks and give his opponents the runaround. He made this competition a major target. "This tournament is close to my heart", he said at the outset. The competition's first man of the match, the Atlas Lion is well on course to be MVP of this AFCON.

Almost there 👀
The cup is 2 steps away🏆#TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 pic.twitter.com/uM0DxknbWQ

— CAF - FR (@caf_online_FR) July 2, 2023