Egypt capped off a remarkable U23 Africa Cup of Nations campaign by claiming the title on Friday, defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 in a thrilling final. Already assured of a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the Pharaohs showcased their dominance and resilience throughout the tournament, ultimately lifting the trophy on home soil.
The first half saw Egypt take the lead in the 37th minute, with captain Ramadan Sobhi orchestrating a fine move down the left wing. His precise delivery found Kareem El Iraky, who made no mistake in converting the chance and putting the hosts ahead. The goal highlighted Egypt’s attacking cohesion and the quality of its young talents, setting the tone for a tense second half.
Ivory Coast, refusing to go down without a fight, intensified their attacking efforts after the break. Their persistence paid off two minutes before the end of regulation time, when the Elephants managed to level the score at 1-1, sending the match into extra time. The late equalizer added drama and underscored the competitive nature of the final, as both teams sought to secure the prestigious U23 continental title.
Extra time, however, belonged to the hosts. Seven minutes from the end, Egypt struck again, reclaiming the lead and eventually securing a 2-1 victory. This decisive goal not only sealed the match but also marked the culmination of a stellar tournament for the Pharaohs, who succeeded Nigeria, the 2015 champions, as the new kings of U23 African football. The win served as a testament to Egypt’s growing dominance at the youth level and its ability to nurture players ready to perform on bigger international stages.
While the trophy went to Egypt, Ivory Coast could take solace in their own achievements. Despite falling short in the final, the Elephants had already guaranteed qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, ensuring that their talented U23 squad would continue to gain valuable experience on the global stage.
Earlier in the day, South Africa claimed the third African spot for Tokyo 2020 in dramatic fashion, defeating Ghana 6-5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation. This thrilling encounter mirrored the intensity and excitement of the final, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of Africa’s U23 teams. South Africa’s victory in the penalty shootout secured their place at the Olympics, joining Egypt and Ivory Coast as the continent’s representatives.
Overall, the 2019 U23 AFCON highlighted the rising standard of young African talent, combining skill, determination, and tactical acumen across all participating teams. With Egypt crowned champions and all three Olympic spots claimed, the tournament provided a fitting prelude to the global stage in Tokyo, promising exciting performances from Africa’s next generation of football stars.
