Egyptian players collected several awards as the Young Pharaohs lost the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations title to hosts Morocco.
Egypt had reached the final of the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, having topped group B before beating Guinea in the semi-finals.
Their qualification for the final secured their spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics, which is set to take place in Paris, France.
However, Rogério Micale’s men couldn’t cap off their achievements with the title after suffering a heartbreak 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco on Saturday night.
Mahmoud Saber gave Egypt the lead after 10 minutes with an absolute stunner from a distance, but the Pyramids FC player was sent off eight minutes later following a VAR review on a violent tackle.
The Moroccans took advantage of the sending-off and managed to equalize through Yanis Begraoui in the 37th minute from close range.
Ten-men Egypt managed to hold on and took the game into the extra-time; however, a powerful effort from Oussama Targhalline beat Hamza Alaa to win Morocco the game and the title.
Despite the defeat, Egypt’s Ibrahim Adel was named the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations Best Player following an impressive campaign in Morocco.
Meanwhile, Hamza Alaa collected the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations Best Goalkeeper award, having conceded just two goals during the whole competition.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Abde Ezzalzouli won the Golden Boot award, while Guinea was awarded the Fair Play award.
