Morocco will be hoping to put the 2010 heartache behind them when they take on defending champions Egypt in the final of the 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 tonight.Back then, hosting the tournament as well, Morocco were bundled out in the final by Gabon, going down 2-1.12 years later, they will be hoping to put that behind them and etch their name in the continent in this particular competition. But, first things first, a tough duel against Egypt awaits.##NAJAVA_MECA_7359253##Morocco have been on an impressive run throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten with three resounding victories and a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout win against Mali in the semifinals, following a 2-2 draw. On top of their good run, they will also be enjoying the home advantage.Morocco’s coach Issame Charai opines that they will aim to showcase the future of the country’s football in the final with an aim of winning it.”This match against Egypt is an opportunity to create history. Through this final, we also aim to demonstrate that the future of Moroccan football is promising. We cannot afford any mistakes. Our players must maintain their composure and have faith in their abilities.Kenyan duo of Peter Waweru Kamaku (CR) and Stephen Yiembe (1st AR) will be part of the officiating team for the 2023 AFCON U23 final pitting Morocco and Egypt. Jonathan Koffi (2nd AR) – Togo Omar Abdulkadir Artan (4th) – Somalia Jean Claude Birumushahu (MC) – Burundi #FootballKe pic.twitter.com/EXVFd1nLiU— Murimi Kipchirnjir (@muriminjirujnr) July 8, 2023 Nothing will be handed to us on a silver platter. The Egyptians have yet to concede a goal in this tournament. However, we faced them last November and achieved a positive outcome, and I hope we can replicate that success in the final,” Charai said.His Egyptian counterpart Mario Rogerio Micale has expressed his team’s unwavering determination to defend their title.The match will be a clash of titans. with Morocco yet to lose, Egypt are yet to concede a goal at the competition this time around and they will be hoping to keep a clean sheet to the end.Kenyan duo to officiate AFCON U23 finalHowever, Micale remains cognizant of the formidable challenge posed by the Moroccan team.”They possess formidable attackers who are lethal in front of goal. I genuinely believe that we will face a tactical approach that we have yet to encounter in this tournament.We are motivated to retain the title. Although the stadium will be filled against us, it is in these complex situations that the most glorious victories are forged,” Micale stated.
