U23 AFCON Group B: 3 contenders, 2 semi-final places
U23 AFCON: Mali v Niger and Egypt v Gabon meet on matchday 3 of the group stage with 2 semi-final places at stake, and Gabon are already eliminated
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Niger vs Mali
Niger (2nd, 4pts) in Group B face Mali (3rd, 3pts) on matchday 3 of this U23 AFCON in Morocco. To reach the last four, Niger need only a draw. Mali, by contrast, must win. That promises a gripping contest. Mali coach Badara Alou Diallo, after the defeat by Egypt, was quick to turn his attention to the Niger game, which has the feel of a final before its time. "Our next match against Niger will undoubtedly be difficult because our styles of play are similar. We will keep working tirelessly, fully aware of the importance of the final for our progress in the tournament," he said. "We understand that we are writing a remarkable chapter in Nigerien football. Many of our compatriots are following us closely on social media, and we have received an abundance of messages of support. The players are fuelled by the nation's encouragement", added Niger head coach Zakariaou Ibrahim Yahaya, who also acknowledged how crucial the match is.
Read more on the same subject: U23 AFCON Group A: Guinea join Morocco in the semi-finals
Egypt vs Gabon
Egypt are second in Group B with 4 points, level on points with Niger's Mena. The Pharaohs face Gabon (4th, with 0 points). To confirm qualification and avoid relying on other results, Egypt need 1 point. If the Pharaohs lose, they must hope at the same time for a winner in the Mali v Niger game. Gabon, who have suffered 2 defeats, are indeed eliminated, but they will not make life easy for Egypt in the group's final match. "Although we have nothing to lose in this final match, we will approach it with the utmost seriousness, and the players will give everything to get a win before we return home," said the Gabon coach
Egypt coach Rogerio Micale knows the job ahead. So far Egypt have been wasteful in front of goal, which could come back to haunt them. "Our aim is to win the match and stay top of the group", he stressed. "Gabon are a good team and they lost because of very small details. We have prepared well for them and we must be focused because they have nothing to lose, which makes them dangerous," he added.
[U23 AFCON Morocco🇲🇦 2023]
Matchday 2 | Group B
Standings ✅🇪🇬 Egypt 4pts +1
🇳🇪 Niger 4pts +1
🇲🇱 Mali 3pts+1
🇬🇦 Gabon 0pt -3 ❌#TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 pic.twitter.com/QKEncEnbjQ— Le Foot 225 🇨🇮 (@LeFoot225) June 29, 2023