AFCON U23: Morocco Snatches Ticket for the Final, 2024 Olympic Games after Beating Mali 4-2 on Penalties

05/07/2023

Rabat – The Moroccan national team has qualified for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) under-23 soccer tournament and the next Olympic Games (Paris-2024), after beating Mali 4-2 on penalties (2-2 after extra time) on Tuesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah sports complex in Rabat.

The Moroccans opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Zakaria El Ouahdi, before Mamady Diambou restored parity in the 66th minute. In extra time, Amine El Ouazzani restored the lead (111th), but Issoufi Maiga equalized for Mali five minutes later (116th). In the penalty shoot-out, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s team-mates won 4-2.

In the final, scheduled for next Saturday, Morocco will face Egypt, which defeated Guinea (1-0) earlier in the first semi-final.