Egypt beats Gabon to seal AFCON U23 semis slot

Egypt qualified for the 2023 U-23 africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after beating Gabon 2-0 to top group B.

Having drawn with Niger, before beating Mali, Egypt needed just a point against already knocked-out Gabon to secure a spot in the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

However, a win would see Egypt win the group and avoid a clash against hosts Morocco and instead face group A runner-ups Guinea.

The first-half was balanced between both teams, with Egypt creating a couple of chances through Mahmoud Saber, which didn’t bother Gabon keeper Francois Bekale.

On the other hand, Egypt keeper Hamza Alaa brilliantly denied Edlin Matouti in the 33rd minute, before Mohamed Maghraby also cleared another dangerous chance from Gabon.

With only three minutes left on the half-time whistle, Roy Mbongui received his marching orders after being shown a second yellow card following a tackle on Ahmed Atef.

The Young Pharaohs kept trying to take advantage of the numerical advantage in the second-half, but to no avail until the 83rd minute.

A low corner from Ali Zaaza was met with powerful strike from Mahmoud Saber to give Egypt a deserved lead.

Three minutes later, Mostafa Saad was brought down inside the box, which led the referee to award Egypt a penalty after a var review. Osama Faisal stepped up and sealed the win for Egypt.

On the other hand, Mali beat Niger 2-0 to reach the semi-finals alongside Egypt as group runner-ups.

Roger Micale’s men will now face Guinea in the semi-finals, while Morocco will be up against Mali on July 4.

The 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations is currently being held in Morocco from 24 June to 8 July, with Egypt entering as the defending champions.

The competition act as a qualifier for the 2024 summer olympics as the finalists and third-place playoff winner make the tournament in Paris, while the 4th-placed team will enter the afc–CAF playoff to decide the final Olympic slot