Morocco U23 Edges Guinea in AFCON Opener with VAR Assistance

Despite an early Guinean goal scored by Algassimie Ba just before half-time, the Moroccan players managed to turn the situation around thanks to the efficiency of Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and especially the intervention of VAR, which was called upon twice in favor of Morocco.

Facing a solid Guinean team, the start of the match was difficult for Issame Charaï’s protégés. The Sily National opened the scoring with a penalty converted by Ba (47’). But the entries of Amir Richardson, Yanis Bagraoui and Ismaël Saibari in the second half brought new momentum to the Moroccan group.

Ezzalzouli, the man of the match, equalized in the 69th minute from the penalty spot, giving hope to the Moroccan team. In a very good end of the game for the Moroccans, Ezzalzouli repeated the feat, scoring a second goal from the penalty spot in the final moments of the game (90’+8). This brace offered a victory that boosts the morale of the Young Lions in this first day of Group A, which also includes Ghana and DR Congo.

The next match for Morocco is scheduled for June 27 against Ghana, followed by another clash against Congo on June 30.