Hosts Egypt capped a historic tournament by being crowned Champions of the CAF 2019 Total Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations following their 2-1 extra-time win over Cote d’Ivoire at the Cairo International Stadium.
This was Egypt’s first title in the third edition of the tournament that also served as African qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Karim El Iraky scored for Egypt after 37 minutes, before Aboubakar Doumbia equalized a minute from time. But skipper Ramadan Sobhy won the match for Egypt in the 116th minute.
The Olympic Pharaohs sailed to the title in style, having won their fifth game in as many matches.
Skipper Ramadan Sobhy found his way past his marker from the left side, to send a calling cross that El Iraky responded to with a scorcher to give Egypt a lead they maintained till the halftime.
After the break, the Ivoirians threw everything in attack but to had to wait to the last minute to grab the equalizer. Substitute Abubakar Doumbia who had barely been on the pitch for a minute received a cross to score past Mohamed Sobhy and send the game to extra time.
In the extra time, both teams had their chances, before Egypt’s talisman Sobhy won it for the hosts.
Substitute Ahmed Rayan weaved past his marker to send a shot that was rebounded from Cote d’Ivoire’s keeper Elizeir Tape, and Sobhy was the fastest to the ball to score the winner.
Egypt joined the list of Gabon (2011) and Nigeria (2015) on the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations role of honour.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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