U23 AFCON: Hosts Morocco into final after dramatic shootout win against Mali

Hosts Morocco reached the finals of the tournament U23 AFCON after a dramatic shootout win against Mali.

The national team also qualified for the Paris Olympic Games 2024.

Morocco’s U-23 national football team won 4-3 against Mali on penalties in the semi-final match of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat.

With this win, Morocco qualified for the finals of the tournament as well as for the Paris Olympic Games 2024.

Zakaria El Ouahdi, who plays as a forward for Belgian club RWD Molenbeek, opened the scoring for the Atlas Lions in the 13th minute, with an assist from Ismael Saibari.

In the 66th minute, Mali’s Mamady Diambou brought the game to a tie, netting the first goal for his team.

In the extra time, Amine El Ouazzani scored a second goal, followed closely by Issoufi Maïga who brought the match once again to a 2-2 tie, and pushed the match into penalties.

The Moroccan team qualified for the semi-finals after topping Group A with a total of six points. In their U23 AFCON campaign opener, the Moroccan team secured a thrilling last-minute 2-1 victory against Guinea.

They followed it up with a dominant display of their attacking prowess in the second match, overwhelming Ghana with a convincing 5-1 triumph.

Last week, they continued their winning streak, scoring a 1-0 victory against Congo.

Abde Ezzalzouli, who made a name for himself playing with the senior national team in the World Cup as well, has proven instrumental in the team’s success.

Meanwhile, Mali began the AFCON this year with an impressive 3-1 victory against Gabon, followed by a 1-0 loss to Egypt, and a 2-0 win over Niger.