U23 AFCON: Abde’s double uphold Guinea’s short-lived upset

The U23 Atlas Lions came from behind to beat Guinea 2-1 on Saturday evening during the opener of the 4th edition of the TotalEnergies U23 Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco-2023).

The match which took place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat saw Morocco leapfrog the visitors under duress.

The scoreline told just a part of the story. In borrowed time (45+2), Algassime Bah surprised the Moroccan keeper with a sublime free kick that nestled into the net before the pose.

Morocco dug deep and with an element of luck, scored the equalizer six minutes after the hour mark. Abde converting brilliantly from the spot to draw both sides level.

2022 Qatar World cup campaigner and skipper on the night, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, converted once again from the penalty spot in stoppage time to gift the tournament hosts three points (90+8).

Morocco will face Ghana on June 27 in their next match, then DR Congo on June 30.

Group A shall take shape when Congo log horns against Ghana on Sunday June 25th, before group B games follow.

The first three teams in the ranking of this TotalEnergies AFCON U23 AFCON will validate a slot for the 2024 Olympics.