By Mark Ogagan
Morocco booked their place in the final of CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over hosts Egypt in Thursday night’s semi-final clash in Cairo.
Jones Al-Abdellaoui scored the decisive goal 13 minutes from regulation time, tapping in a low cross from Ismail Aouad to seal a narrow win for Mohamed Ouahbi’s side.
The first half saw few clear chances, with both teams struggling to find rhythm in the final third. Morocco came closest after the break when Houssam Essadak, who won the Man of the Match award, struck from distance, forcing Egyptian goalkeeper Abdelmonem Tamer into a double save on 57 minutes.
As the match opened up, Morocco’s attacking intent eventually paid off. Aouad broke down the right and delivered a well-weighted ball into the box, which Al-Abdellaoui met with a composed finish.
Egypt pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Morocco remained organised and held on to secure a place in Sunday’s final against South Africa.
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