Morocco U23 Thrashes Ghana 5-1 in AFCON, Advances to Semifinals

This victory, led by the exceptional Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, propelled the Atlas Lion Cubs into the semi-finals of the competition with a total of 6 points after two matches.

The match started on a resolutely offensive note with a new attacking trio made up of Amir Richardson, Ismael Saibari and Yanis Reda Begraoui. Coach Issame Charaï’s choice to bring in these substitutes proved successful: they quickly took the lead with goals from Richardson (7th), Saibari (13th) and Begraoui (30th), paralyzing the Ghanaian defense.

Despite a Ghana goal reduction thanks to Salim Adams (43rd), the Atlas Lion Cubs showed resilience. After a VAR consultation, a second Ghana goal was disallowed, allowing Morocco to remain in the lead. The Moroccan team then increased the score in the second half through Ezzalzouli (48th) and Begraoui (53rd), brilliantly exploiting the spaces left by a Ghanaian team that tried everything to come back.

With this victory, Morocco is getting closer to its main objective: obtaining one of the three qualifying places for the 2024 Olympic Games. The Atlas Lion Cubs will face Congo on June 30, a match that should be less stressful thanks to their leadership position.