The 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations is reaching its concluding end with the semi-finals taking centre stage on Tuesday.
It is a West Africa vs North Africa affair in both ties as Guinea will take on the defending champions Egypt while Morocco will tackle Mali. All four teams are virtually guaranteed a place in next year’s Olympic Games in Paris with the finalists and third-place winner going through while the team that finishes fourth will face the fourth-placed team at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup in a playoff.
The clash between Guinea and Egypt will be played first at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The Syl Nationale made it to the last four by finishing second in Group A behind Morocco and ahead of Ghana by virtue of a superior goal difference.
Egypt will be seen as favourites for this tie but Guinea coach Morlay Cisse believes his team have an advantage over the Pharaohs due to having an extra day of rest.
“We do have an advantage over them due to the extra day of recovery, which makes a significant difference in football. We must make the most of it,” Cisse said.
“This team has worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and I must emphasize that Guinea possesses a wealth of talent capable of delivering positive results on the continent.”
Egypt meanwhile topped Group A, ahead of Mali and coach Mario Rogerio Reis acknowledges his team will be under pressure as the reigning champions but have the tools in their kit to turn it into success and has called on the collective support of Egyptian and Moroccan fans.
“We shall turn this pressure into success,” he stated. “While we have thoroughly analyzed the Guinea team, we also rely on the backing of Moroccans and Egyptians.
“When our players step onto the pitch, they carry the responsibility of ensuring Egypt’s victory.”
It's a first ever #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 semi-finals appearance for both Guinea & Mali ????
Can any of them keep writing history and reach the final? ???? pic.twitter.com/x5iLS1P9hO
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 ???? (@CAF_Online) July 3, 2023
The second semifinal between Morocco and Mali will hold at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier. The Atlas Lions will have the biggest support as the host country and the Eagles boss Badara Alou Diallo has called on his team to be focused.
“These are two teams accustomed to facing each other,” Diallio asserted. “The key to success in this match will be maintaining focus throughout.
“We must avoid the mistakes we have been prone to making, and the mental approach will be of utmost importance.”
Morocco were the only team to finish with a 100% record in the group stage, winning all three games. Despite such solid form, coach Issame Charai is taking a cautious approach while rewarding his best-performing players with a place in the starting lineup.
“While it won’t be an easy game, we must be sharp in front of goal and deny our opponents any opportunity,” Charai explained.
“Our squad of 23 players is capable of starting tomorrow’s match. We witnessed some exceptional performances in our previous game against Congo, and some of those players will earn their place in the starting lineup.”
Only 2 teams are still unbeaten in the 2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23:
???????? Morocco
???????? EgyptCan either of them go all the way? ???? pic.twitter.com/14ef4pyUQW
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 ???? (@CAF_Online) July 3, 2023
The final of the 2023 U-23 AFCON will be played on Saturday in Rabat while the third/fourth place match will hold in Tangier.
