Egypt and Morocco U23 sides braved a tense night of the TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 semifinals as they both outstaged their opponents – Mali and Guinea, securing their finals slots in the tournament, and with a 2024 Paris Olympic Games tickets to go with it.The hosts had to do it the hard way – sneaking past the Young Eagles of Mali through post-match penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw in extra time. Eventually, Morocco reigned top, making the final after a 4-3 spot-kicks win at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.Morocco are in the final! 🏆The Atlas Lions are back for their second final appearance after 2011 👏🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 pic.twitter.com/slybjvk6WE— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 🏆 (@CAF_Online) July 4, 2023 Joining them in the 8 July final, will be the Young Pharaohs of Egypt, as they took the lead early, and never looked back – making their second consecutive final courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Guinea in a tension-filled encounter in the Moroccan city of Tangier.The goal came in the eighth minute, as Ibrahim Adel intercepted the ball and found Mohamed Shehata Mahmoud at the edge of the box. Mahmoud unleashed a powerful strike, securing a 1-0 lead for Egypt.Unfazed, the Syli National continued their relentless offensive assaults. However, neither Algassime Bah’s free-kick, who was included in the starting line-up after a brief trip to Greece to extend his work visa, nor Aguibou Camara’s charge found the back of the net.Egypt are on to the final! 🏆 The Pharaos will be playing in the final for the 2nd time in a row 👏🇪🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 pic.twitter.com/oyzy0MqFl4— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 🏆 (@CAF_Online) July 4, 2023 Guinea’s fate hung in the balance as the North Africans began to waste time late on.Salifou Soumah, who entered the game in the second half, unleashed a magnificent strike but once again faced the firm hand of Egyptian goalkeeper Hamza Alaa in the 88th minute.The seven minutes of additional time seemed endless for the Egyptians. Unfortunately for Guinea, the score remained unchanged.##NAJAVA_MECA_7353144##In the Morocco game, Zakaria El Quahdi sent the Moroccan fans into a frenzy when he scored the opening goal after just 14 minutes, igniting the home crowd’s enthusiasm.Mali however intensified their attacks in the second half, eventually equalizing through Diambou in the 66th minute.With no resolution at the end of regulation time, the referee extended the game by an additional 30 minutes.ONE. MORE. STEP. 🏆🇲🇦 🆚 🇪🇬 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 pic.twitter.com/BYUnyw6cdz— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 🏆 (@CAF_Online) July 5, 2023 In the 108th minute, Morocco regained the lead through Amine El Quazzani’s strike.However, Mali refused to concede defeat and equalized once again in the 116th minute when Issoufi Maiga headed in from close range, leveling the score at 2-2.The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout. Morocco maintained their composure and successfully converted all four of their penalties, while Mali faltered with misses from captain Boubacar Traore and Ahmed Diomande.In the final, scheduled to take place on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco will face defending champions Egypt, while Guinea and Mali will contend for the third Paris Olympic slot in the play-off on Friday in Tangier.
