Egypt became the first team other than hosts Morocco to secure qualification to the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations on Sunday by drawing Zambia 0-0 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. With a 2-0 victory in the first leg played in Cairo, Egypt advance 2-0 on aggregate and will participate at the finals with an opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Two late goals gave Egypt a breakthrough in the first leg and the visitors carried that momentum into a strong defensive performance in the second leg. Zambia lacked a cutting edge in Cairo and the theme continued back home as the Zambian attack struggled to pose any substantial threat against the well organized Egyptian team. Outside of a couple of set piece opportunities it was a comfortable stroll for the Egyptian team, who will now look to qualify for a second consecutive appearance at the Olympic Games men’s football tournament.
Highlights from the second leg are below.
