Defending U-23 Africa Cup of Nations champions recoded their first win of the 2023 edition as they overcame Mali 1-0 in Group B on Wednesday while Niger recorded their first-ever tournament win by the same scoreline.
The Pharaohs recorded a disappointing 0-0 draw with Niger and needed a better response against the Malians to keep their hopes of making it to the semi-finals alive.
The North African giants got the job done thanks to Ibrahim Adel’s 10th minute goal that was assisted by Osama Faisal.
Mali were reduced to 10 men when Mamady Diambou received his second booking in the 56th minute.
In the other Group B game, Niger recorded their first-ever U-23 AFCON win as they saw off Gabon. Abdoul Moumouni’s penalty on the hour mark making the difference in Tangier. It was also their first-ever goal in their maiden tournament outing.
The result was a second consecutive loss for Gabon following their earlier 3-1 defeat by Mali, meaning they are out of the tournament.
#TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 Group B is starting to take shape after round 2 ????
Which teams are you rooting for to make the semi-finals? pic.twitter.com/aC5nQSdyEz
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU23 ???? (@CAF_Online) June 28, 2023
For Niger, they join the intense battle along with Mali and Egypt for a spot in the semi-finals and ultimately a place at next year’s summer Olympic Games in Paris.
