Mali’s game is do-or-die for Egypt U23
Egypt is aiming to finish as one of the top three in the Nations Cup to qualify for the Olympic Games next summer in Rio de Janeiro.
The young Pharaohs kept alive their hopes of booking a place at next year’s Olympic Games when they came from two goals down to earn an exciting 2-2 draw with Nigeria in their second Group B clash of the U-23 African Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
They are third in group B with two points from two draws, two behind leading duo Nigeria and Algeria, who meet each other in the last game while Egypt face already-eliminated Mali.
“We have to concentrate on the Mali game and to forget the Nigeria match,” El-Badry said after the game.
Egypt will face already-eliminated Mali on Saturday in the third round of the U-23 African Cup of Nations group stage.
Egypt Chances:
Following 1-1 and 2-2 draws with Algeria and Nigeria respectively, Egypt will now be eyeing a win over already-eliminated Mali to stand a chance of securing a Nations Cup top-three finish to reach next Summers Olympic Games for the second time running.
A victory over Mali, however, may not see Egypt march directly to the semi-finals should Algeria and Nigeria, who top the group level on four points, draw in the other group game.
If Algeria and Nigeria were to play out a draw, Egypt will be just hoping it would be either a goalless stalemate or a 1-1 scoreline, as a 2-2 draw may jeopardize the Pharaohs qualification chances.
Egypt Training Session in Senegal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvr_rcWEHBc
Rio de Janeiro
The CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off last week in Senegal with eight teams in two groups competing to book tickets to the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament next summer in Rio de Janeiro.
The two finalists and the third place winner will represent Africa in next year’s Olympic Games.
