The showdown between Mali and Egypt in the CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 promises to be an enthralling encounter as the top two teams in Group B go head-to-head at the Ibn Batouta Stadium on Wednesday night.Both Egypt and Mali had contrasting results in their opening matches. Egypt settled for a goalless draw against Niger, while Mali displayed their dominance with an impressive 3-1 victory over a 10-man Gabon team.With a win potentially securing a place in the semi-finals, the stakes are high for both teams. The West Africans aim to solidify their spot in the next stage, while the defending champions, Egypt, seek their first maximum points in the tournament.Egypt and Niger are the only 2 teams yet to concede a goal in 2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 ⛔️Can any of them keep the record going after round 2? 🧤 pic.twitter.com/2ZKOInoyfh— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 🏆 (@CAF_Online) June 28, 2023 During the pre-match press conference, Egyptian U23 coach Mario Rogerio Reis Micale acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Mali, describing them as a strong team.”We understand the importance of this match and the obstacles ahead of us. It is crucial for us to secure a victory against Mali after earning only one point in our opening draw against Niger,” emphasized Micale.On the other hand, Mali head coach Badara Alou Diallo called on his team not to rest on their laurels after their first-match victory, but to instead redouble their efforts against Egypt.”Our success in front of goal will be crucial in this match against Egypt, as it promises to be a formidable challenge. We are facing the defending champions, who possess their own distinct style of play,” Diallo said.Win 🟰 Qualification Can Mali book their semi-finals ticket against Egypt today? 👀#TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 pic.twitter.com/E2IHeuyDYw— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 🏆 (@CAF_Online) June 28, 2023 The match will kick off at 2000EAT.In the other Group B encounter, Gabon and Niger will lock horns with both sides seeking their first win the tournament.After suffering a 3-1 defeat to Mali in their opening Group B match a few days ago, Gabon head coach Ibela Ignambi Saturnin understands that another loss would be catastrophic for his team’s aspirations.”Our upcoming match is a do-or-die situation for us. Having already lost the first match, we must work tirelessly to secure a victory,” expressed coach Ignambi, highlighting the high stakes involved.##NAJAVA_MECA_7342428##Niger head into the match with more confidence than their opponents having secured a barren draw against the defending champions Egypt in the opener.”Securing a draw against a formidable team like Egypt has provided us with motivation as we approach our second group match against Gabon, where we aim to secure a victory,” explained coach Zakariaou Ibrahim Yahaya.Women’s football team earns ticket to World Beach GamesDespite some players sustaining injuries in the previous match, Yahaya remains unfazed, asserting that the team has capable replacements ready to fill the respective positions.”We will not be troubled by these injury challenges as we have talented players who can step up,” added Yahaya.The match will kick off at 2300EAT.
