L
Latest Football News, Live Scores, Results -
Guest
The Atlas Lions of Morocco made history by winning their first-ever U-23 Africa Cup of Nations title on Saturday night, defeating Egypt 2-1 in extra time.
The match, held at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, saw Egypt's Mahmoud Saber score an early goal in the ninth minute with a superb curling shot that found the top corner of the net.
However, his jubilation was short-lived as he received a red card just eight minutes later for a reckless challenge on Morocco's Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Egypt managed to hold on to their lead until the 37th minute when Yanis Begraoui equalized for the hosts.
The remainder of the first and second half failed to produce any further goals, leading the match into extra time. It was during the first half of extra time that Morocco took the lead, marking the first time Egypt trailed since the beginning of the tournament.
Morocco's substitute, Oussamna Targhalline, benefited from a free kick by Ezzalzouli and confidently struck the ball past the Egyptian goalkeeper, securing a 2-1 advantage for his team.
Despite Egypt's late efforts to equalize, Morocco's resilient defense denied them any fruitful opportunities. The final whistle confirmed Morocco's triumph, crowning them as champions of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations and granting them their first-ever title in the competition.
Both Morocco and Egypt, as finalists, have secured berths in the upcoming Olympic Games to be held in Paris next year. Mali, the third African country to qualify, earned their spot after defeating Guinea in the third-place playoff match earlier on Saturday
The match, held at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, saw Egypt's Mahmoud Saber score an early goal in the ninth minute with a superb curling shot that found the top corner of the net.
However, his jubilation was short-lived as he received a red card just eight minutes later for a reckless challenge on Morocco's Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Egypt managed to hold on to their lead until the 37th minute when Yanis Begraoui equalized for the hosts.
The remainder of the first and second half failed to produce any further goals, leading the match into extra time. It was during the first half of extra time that Morocco took the lead, marking the first time Egypt trailed since the beginning of the tournament.
Morocco's substitute, Oussamna Targhalline, benefited from a free kick by Ezzalzouli and confidently struck the ball past the Egyptian goalkeeper, securing a 2-1 advantage for his team.
Despite Egypt's late efforts to equalize, Morocco's resilient defense denied them any fruitful opportunities. The final whistle confirmed Morocco's triumph, crowning them as champions of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations and granting them their first-ever title in the competition.
Both Morocco and Egypt, as finalists, have secured berths in the upcoming Olympic Games to be held in Paris next year. Mali, the third African country to qualify, earned their spot after defeating Guinea in the third-place playoff match earlier on Saturday