AFCON U23: Holders Egypt defeat Gabon to reach semi-finals alongside Mali

Egypt secured passage into the semi-finals of the CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Gabon in a match played at the Ibn-Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco on Saturday night.

Two late goals in a nervy finish by the defending champions saw them through to the last four, courtesy of goals by Mahmoud Hassan and Osama Abdelhady, setting up a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Group A runners-up Guinea.

Needing just a draw to advance further, Egypt cautiously approached the match against a spirited Gabon side who had their pride to play for after losing their matches against Mali and Niger.

After a long hustle, Egypt finally broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute after a cleverly taken corner by substitute Moustafa Sayed was perfectly teed up for Mahmoud Hassan, who fired home from the edge of the box to give his side the much-needed lead.

With minutes left to play, Abdelhady put the cherry on top for Egypt through a well-taken spot-kick after the troublesome Sayed was fouled in the box.

The victory meant the defending champions march into the semi-finals without conceding a goal in their group matches.

Elsewhere, Mali reached the semi-finals after a commanding 2-0 victory over Niger on Saturday in the match that took place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat as part of the third and final round of group stage matches of the competition in Morocco.

Finishing in second place in their group, Mali concluded the group stage with six points, behind group leaders Egypt with seven points.

Meanwhile, Niger secured the third spot with four points while group opponents Gabon finished at the bottom with no points.

The first half of the game witnessed intense physicality from both teams, although there were few dangerous scoring opportunities. Not a single shot on target was recorded in the first period.

Mali entered the second half with determination, quickly breaking the deadlock in the 49th minute through a penalty kick converted by Mamadou Sangare, giving his side a 1-0 lead.

The early goal in the second half was a blow to Niger, who tried to equalize and intensified their attacks but failed to find the back of the net. Mali's solid defense and overall organization across all lines proved formidable.

In the dying moments of the game, Mali further extended their lead in the 90th minute with a powerful strike from striker Cheickna Diawara, receiving a well-placed pass from the left side.

The match ended with Mali emerging victorious, securing their spot in the semi-finals and edging closer to realizing their dream of qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

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Mali will now face the host country, Morocco, in the semi-finals in Rabat on Tuesday after the former secured their place in the last four after they won the match against Niger.

Egypt will lock horns with Guinea in the other semifinal in the competition where the top three teams will earn tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympics.