Morocco clinched their maiden U-23 Africa Cup of Nations championship in a thrilling encounter against Egypt, prevailing 2-1 in Rabat on Saturday evening.
Despite Egypt’s early lead through Mahmoud Saber’s magnificent curling shot, their fortunes took a turn for the worse when Saber received a red card just eight minutes later for a reckless challenge on Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
Despite being a player down, Egypt put up a resolute defense for the rest of regulation time. However, in the 37th minute, their defense crumbled, allowing Yanis Begraoui to net the equalizer for Morocco.
With both teams unable to find the winning goal in regular time, the match entered extra time. It was during the first half of extra time that Morocco seized the advantage when substitute Oussamna Targhalline capitalized on a free kick from Ezzalzouli, unleashing a powerful strike that eluded the Egyptian goalkeeper, putting Morocco ahead 2-1.
Despite Egypt’s late efforts to equalize, Morocco held on to claim victory and secure their first U-23 AFCON trophy.
This triumph guarantees both Morocco and Egypt berths in next year’s Olympic Games in Paris. Mali will also join them after securing their qualification by defeating Guinea in the third-place playoff match on Saturday.
Guinea still has a chance to secure the fourth African spot at the Olympic Games in Paris, but they will need to win an intercontinental playoff.