IFFHS CONTINENTAL NEWS - U23 AFCON
MOROCCO’S FIRST !
Morocco was crowned U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title winners after beating defending champions Egypt 2-1 in extra time at home in Rabat on Saturday . Morocco became only the fourth nation to lift the trophy since the tournament was launched in 2011. Morocco finished runners-up in the inaugural tournament losing to Gabon 2-1 in Marrakech.
Egypt was the first in action with Mahmoud Saber Abdelmohsen Hassan scoring the first goal after 10 minutes giving his team a one-point lead. Just eight minutes later, Hassan was shown a red card, so Egypt was already reduced to 10 after 18 minutes ! Morocco equalised in the 37th minute when Yanis Begraoui found the back of the net. The result was the same until the end of regulation time, sending the match into extra time.
Moroccan midfielder Oussama Targhalline scored the deciding goal (108e), giving the Trophy to Morocco. Before the final, Egypt did not concede a single goal in the tournament, but Morocco went through the competition without losing a single match. Egypt and Morocco secured their places at the Olympics Paris 2024 by reaching the final. Mali was the third team to earn their Olympic ticket after beating Guinea 4-3 in a penalty shootout allowing to take place 3 of the Tournament.