The 4th edition of African U-23 football championship, the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup Of Nations, concluded with Morocco emerging as the champions.
The host country claimed victory by defeating Egypt, the defending champions, with a score of 2-1 in extra time.
The final match took place on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
Morocco dethroned Egypt after the referee issued a red card, reducing the Egyptian team to ten players.
In the 35th minute of the first half, Mahmoud Saber, a key player for Egypt, was sent off the field by the referee.
This decision came after Saber had received a warning from the referee in the 17th minute of the match. He had previously scored the opening goal for Egypt in the 9th minute of the first half.
Yanis Begraoui equalized for the hosts, bringing the score to 1-1 in the 37th minute of the first half.
The score remained tied at 1-1 until the end of regulation time. However, both teams received multiple warnings from the referee due to the players’ heightened emotions, leading to provocative actions.
In extra time, Oussama Tanghalline scored the winning goal for Morocco in the 107th minute, assisted by Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, the tournament’s top scorer. With this goal, Morocco secured their victory and claimed the championship title.
Following the final match, Ibrahim Adel, the captain of Egypt’s U-23 men’s football team, was honored as the Best Player of the Tournament.
Adel’s outstanding performance throughout the football championship earned him this recognition.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, a winger from FC Barcelona in Spain, received the Top Scorers Award and the Umbro Gold Boot Award for the competition.
Ezzalzouli scored three goals during the tournament, showcasing his exceptional skills.
Hamza Alaa, the goalkeeper for Egypt, was awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
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Alaa displayed remarkable agility, authority, and technical control of the ball, remaining unbeaten until the final match where he conceded two goals.
Guinea, the fourth-placed team in the tournament, received the Fair Play Award in recognition of their sportsmanship and fair conduct throughout the competition.
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