Africa Cup of Nations

AFCON U23: Hosts Morocco battle Ghana in Rabat

by
Collins Okinyo
June 27, 2023

Host nation Morocco will cross swords with Ghana at the Prince Moulaye Abdellah Stadium in the opening fixture of the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

Both countries grinded wins in their opening games and will all target another victory today to book a place in the semi final of the competition.

The Young Atlas Lions kicked start the competition with a great fightback 2-1 win over Guinea, thanks to a scintillating second half performance from FC Barcelona youngster Abdesamed Ezzalzouli.

They went into the first half a goal down but the mercurial winger- who spent the just ended season at Laliga side Osasuna brilliantly netted a brace from the spot to give his side all three points.

On the opposition end, the Black Meteors after a disappointing first half, managed to take a three-goal lead initially after almost 85 minutes but conceded last two goals which nearly caused an upset and some great comeback for Congo Brazzaville but still finished 3-2 after full time.

CFR Cluj forward Emmanuel Yeboah rose from the bench to win the man of the match after scoring twice and creating the other goal to fire his nation to victory.

Ghana are currently leading Group A despite tying up with Morocco on three points each and are at the summit due to goals scored advantage.

TEAM NEWS

Both teams have no any injury or suspension concerns from their last matches.

Morocco are most likely to miss the service of starman and captain Ezzalzouli today with reports stating he’s been ordered by Barcelona to exempt himself from the competition since they will need his service for their preseason which starts next month.

However, coach Ibrahim Tanko is most likely to hand inform Emmanuel Yeboah a start so as Hafiz Ibrahim who made a great impact after coming in the second half last Sunday

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Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com