- Mali have not played at the Olympics since 2004
- They beat Guinea on Penalties
- Holders Egypt and Morocco have already qualified
Mali edged out Guinea on penalties to secure third place at the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The Malians edged out the Guineans 4-3 on spot kicks after a barren draw in regulation time, earning an Olympic spot for the first time in close to two decades.
In regulation time, chances were few and far in between. Algassime Bah came close to opening the scoring for Guinea on two occasions, but Mali’s goalkeeper Lassine Diarra proved to be a formidable presence.
With neither team able to break the deadlock, the match was ultimately decided in a tense penalty shootout.
Diarra emerged as the hero for Mali, saving the penalty kicks of Aguibou Camara and Seydoumba Cisse.
Although Mali’s Issoufi Maiga missed his spot-kick, the team displayed composure as all four remaining players converted their penalties.
This historic victory marks the second time in Mali’s football history that the U23 team has qualified for the Olympics, the first being in 2004 when the Olympic Eagles reached the quarter-finals in Athens under the leadership of legendary coach Tenema N’Diaye.
Egypt and Morocco clash in finale
Morocco celebrate in a past match. PHOTO/CAF
Meanwhile, defending champions Egypt take on hosts Morocco in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, seeking to defend their crown.
The two sides have already qualified for the Olympic Games, and are now seeking to add cherry on the cake with the crown.
It will be a hugely competitive encounter with both sides having impressed in their group stage and semi-final matches.
Egypt tactician Mario Rogerio Micale has admitted they expect a tough duel, but reiterates that they are well prepared to battle for the crown on enemy territory in a blockbuster North African derby.
“We are motivated to retain the title. Although the stadium will be filled against us, it is in these complex situations that the most glorious victories are forged,” the coach said.
Egyptian captain Ibrahim Adel says the team is motivated to emerge victorious.
Egypt confident
Egypt celebrate in a past match. PHOTO/CAF
“These types of matches send shivers down my spine. The coach need not deliver lengthy speeches as our motivation is already sky-high,” affirmed Adel.
He acknowledged the challenging atmosphere that awaits, with Morocco enjoying home advantage.
Meanwhile Morocco are looking to upset the balances, and remain confident that they can use their home ground advantage and punch up for the title.
“This match against Egypt is an opportunity to create history. Through this final, we also aim to demonstrate that the future of Moroccan football is promising,” said coach Issame Charai.
He added; “Nothing will be handed to us on a silver platter. The Egyptians have yet to concede a goal in this tournament. However, we faced them last November and achieved a positive outcome, and I hope we can replicate that success in the final.”
Morocco enters the final having won all three of their Group A matches and securing a hard-fought victory against Mali in the semifinals.
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