Hosts Morocco will be hoping to capitalize on the home advantage when they take on Mali in one of the semifinals at the ongoing 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat at 11 PM EAT..Coach Issame Charai’s team will be out to extend their unbeaten streak to four consecutive matches at the competition having gone past the group stage unscathed.Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Charai stressed the importance of precision in front of goal from the very beginning of the match, leaving no room for their opponents to capitalize. Speaking during a pre-match press conference, the coach expressed the need for a focused and disciplined approach.##NAJAVA_MECA_7353136##”While it won’t be an easy game, we must be sharp in front of goal and deny our opponents any opportunity. Our squad of 23 players is capable of starting tomorrow’s match. We witnessed some exceptional performances in our previous game against Congo, and some of those players will earn their place in the starting lineup,” Charai revealed about his team’s selection process.On their way to the semis, Morocco triumphed over Guinea with a 2-1 victory and displayed dominance with a resounding 5-1 win against Ghana in their second match before wrapping group action with a 1-0 win over Congo Brazzaville.His Malian counterpart Coach Badara Alou Diallo emphasized the intricacies of playing against a host team, highlighting the importance of composure and concentration.However, he acknowledged that both teams will face pressure in this crucial encounter.Kakamega Homeboyz express desire to play continental matches in Bukhungu fortress”These are two teams accustomed to facing each other. The key to success in this match will be maintaining focus throughout. We must avoid the mistakes we have been prone to making, and the mental approach will be of utmost importance,” Diallo remarked.The Malian coach emphasized that players from both teams are well-acquainted, as many of them play together in European clubs.Striker Chickna Doumbia, who has already netted two goals in the group stages, will be expected to lead Mali’s charge alongside inspirational captain Boubacar Traore.In the other semifinal. Egypt will take on Guinea at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier at 10 PM EAT.The defending champion’s coach Mario Rogerio Reis Micale has acknowledged the pressure his team is under but expressed confidence in their ability to thrive in such circumstances.##NAJAVA_MECA_7353126##”We shall turn this pressure into success. While we have thoroughly analyzed the Guinea team, we also rely on the backing of Moroccans and Egyptians. When our players step onto the pitch, they carry the responsibility of ensuring Egypt’s victory,” declared Micale.Ahead of the highly anticipated match, Guinea’s head coach Morlaye Cisse has emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the advantage they hold over their opponents.”We do have an advantage over them due to the extra day of recovery, which makes a significant difference in football. We must make the most of it. This team has worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and I must emphasize that Guinea possesses a wealth of talent capable of delivering positive results on the continent,” Cisse stated.
