Rabat – Since yesterday’s match which brought together Morocco and Mali during the second semi-finals of the AFCON 2023 U-23 tournament, numerous international media have been praising Morocco’s “impressive” performances throughout the continental contest.
Sports Brief Outlet stated that Morocco have unquestionably been the most effective squad throughout the U-23 competition, with their clinical prowess especially on display in their 5-1 thrashing of Ghana in the group stages.
However, if not for the fervent backing of the home audience, their dreams of replicating Egypt’s success of taking the title on home soil in 2019 were almost dashed against a well-organized Malian team, the same source added.
“We mustn’t forget that Mali are a strong team. The players [Morocco] fought hard until the end,” Issam Charai, the head coach of the U23 Atlas Lions, said in the press conference following his team’s tense game against the West African team. “I congratulate the players. The match was very difficult; we knew Mali were tough.”
Mali’s coach Badra Alou Diallo also said he was satisfied with the game’s good tempo, before congratulating the Atlas Lions and wished them good luck for their final game.
Back to yesterday’s game — after Morocco initiated the scoring in the 15th minute, the Eaglets (as the junior national Malian team is nicknamed) used their physical advantage to win every duel and lay siege to the Moroccan defense.
In the 66th minute, Mali was ultimately able to equalize thanks to a stroked left-foot shot by Mamady Diambou.
In response to the Malian goal, coach Issam Charai substituted Targhaline and Igamane for El Begraoui and El Khannouss. Now looking fresher and more inspired, the Moroccan midfield was able to launch a few attacks but was unable to score the game-winning goal.
The two teams eventually entered extra time following a frantic conclusion to the game that saw two Malian goal attempts that kept both Moroccan and Malian supporters on their toes.
Read also: U23 AFCON Semi-Final: Morocco Defeats Mali 4-3 on Penalties
Morocco’s Atlas Lions were ultimately able to overcome Mali’s Eaglets with a 4-3 score on penalties after registering a 2-2 draw throughout the 120 minutes of the game.
Nevertheless, some Moroccan fans are still not satisfied with Morocco “hardly” clinching the victory, and they have called for a better performance in the final against Egypt .
After three impressive games in the group stages and a laborious yet commanding defeat of Mali in the semi-finals, Morocco’s U23 national football team will be taking on Egypt on July 8 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat at 9pm GMT+1.
In addition to the prospects of winning its first major continental trophy, the Moroccan team is now back on the illustrious Olympic stage after twelve years of absence from the Olympic Games.
