U23 AFCON: Egypt makes a comeback after win over ten-man Mali; Niger earn historic win over Gabon
Title holders Egypt showcased their prowess by bouncing back with a 1-0 victory against a ten-man Mali at the U23 Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Morocco on Wednesday.
The Pharaohs win the encounter that featured a face-off between two tactically well-organized teams at the Grand Stade in Tangier in Group B of the tournament.
The Egyptians, displaying a more aggressive and forward-oriented style of play, seized control in the 10th minute thanks to Ibrahim Mohamed Adel, the team’s captain and scorer of Egypt’s first goal in the competition.
Adel, a forward for Pyramids FC and currently the third top goal-scorer in the Egyptian league, celebrated his fifth goal of the season.
In the 18th minute, Mali was awarded a free kick. Mamadou Sangaré, who had marked his 21st birthday with a goal against Gabon, stepped up to take the shot, but the Egyptian defence managed to deflect his effort.
The spectators in Tangier were treated to an engaging and vibrant match with continuous attacking moves from both sides. The first half concluded with the Egyptians holding a slight advantage on the scoreboard.
As the second half commenced, Ahmed Eid received a yellow card for elbowing Traoré and will consequently face suspension in the upcoming match.
The game’s dynamics shifted, resulting in a more closed and fragmented contest with an increased number of fouls, including Mamady Diambou’s obstruction.
Salzburg’s defensive midfielder received a second yellow card, leading to his expulsion. Reduced to ten men, Mali faced an uphill battle and had to tap into their reserves.
Seizing the opportunities left by the Malian defense, the Pharaohs created chances. Adel provided a pass to Ahmed Nabil Koka, who took a shot, only to see the ball cleared off the goal line by the determined Malian defenders in the 70th minute.
Despite their efforts, Badra Aliou Cissé’s men lacked innovation in their gameplay.
They had a promising opportunity just minutes before the end of regular time, but Ibrahima Cissé’s header missed the target. The scoreline remained unaltered.
A remarkable moment unfolded at Tangier’s Grand Stade as Niger clinched their first-ever win in the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations as they defeated Gabon 1-0 in their Group B match on Wednesday.
Following a goalless draw against Egypt, Niger triumphed with the victory over Gabon, who found themselves at the bottom of Group B.
This crucial victory came during the fourth matchday of the CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Morocco.
Right from the kickoff, Gabon, positioned in the group’s basement, displayed determination and eagerly embraced physical challenges.
Despite their presence in the midfield, Saturnin Ibela Ignambi’s team struggled to convert their opportunities into goals against the Nigerien defense.
In contrast, Niger showcased their threat in the 8th minute when Kairou Amoustapha unleashed a powerful strike, brilliantly parried by Gabonese goalkeeper Gesril Andôme.
Under the watchful eyes of Patrice Neveu, the coach of Gabon’s senior national team, the Central African hopefuls took charge of the game. Emmanuel Essogo’s incisive runs posed genuine problems for the Nigerian defense.
Towards the end of the first half, Essogo won an enticing free kick for his team. However, Jérémie Obounet Moussango’s attempt was thwarted by his own teammates inside the Nigerien penalty area.
After the halftime break, Gabon created better opportunities. Nevertheless, the 60th minute saw the referee award a penalty to Niger after Urie-Michel Mboula fouled Abdoul Salam Boulhassane.
Abdoul Moumouni Darankoum cemented his place in Nigerien football history by becoming the first player to score a goal in the final stages of a pre-Olympic tournament for Niger. With the scoreline firmly at 1-0 in favor of Niger, the result remained unchanged.
This hard-fought victory spells the end for Gabon in the competition as they face elimination.
As the fourth matchday concluded, Egypt and Niger now occupy the top positions in Group B, with Niger’s historic triumph giving them a newfound sense of confidence and optimism.
