U23 AFCON: Egypt and Mali reach the semi-finals

Egypt are still on course to defend their title. The Pharaohs have cleared the first-round hurdle, finishing top of Group B on Saturday 1 July after beating Gabon 2-0. The Egyptians made the difference in the second half. Goalless at the break, they broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute through Mahmoud Saber, set up by Mostafa Saad. In added time, Osama Faisal put Gabon to the sword by converting a penalty (90+2). The Gabonese, champions in 2011, exit the competition with three defeats in three games. Egypt, for their part, had not made an ideal start to their title defence. On matchday 1, the Egyptians were held to a goalless draw by Niger (0-0). They then bounced back by stunning Mali (1-0).

Egypt-Guinea and Morocco-Mali the semi-final ties

In the semi-finals, the Egyptians will face Guinea, who finished second in Group A. The other semi-final will pit Mali against hosts Morocco. The Malians booked their place by beating Niger 2-0. At kick-off, the Eagles (3 pts) were third and needed a win to overtake the Mena U23 (4 pts). They managed it, though not without some anxiety. It took a penalty from Mamadou Sangaré just after the restart to open the scoring (49th). In the closing minutes, Cheikhna Doumbia added a second for the Malians (89th). That was enough to secure a place in the last four of the 4th edition of the U23 AFCON.