Egypt Defeats Mali in AFCON U-23 Opening Match (1-0)

Egypt earned a hard fought victory over ambitious Mali in the opening match of the under 23 African Cup of Nations qualifying for the Olympics. The match took place in the Cairo Stadium in the group that contains the Pharaohs, Mali, Cameroon and Ghana.

The only goal of the match came after Zamalek ace Mostafa Mohamed in the 29th minute making use of a great cross.

The first half was equal from both sides, with both nations trying to prove their worth and Egypt wasting their first match in the 8th minute when Ramadan Sobhy's shot deflected into Salah Mohsen who wasted the chance early on.

Nasser Maher left the field due to a shoulder injury in the 15th minute and was replaced by Ammar Hamdy. Mostafa Mohamed gave Egypt the early lead in the 29th minute after a cross by Ahmed Abou El-Fettouh which found it's way into goal.

Mali almost found the equalizer in the the 48th minute after a header by the attacker hit the post.

The Malians returned again with, but Sobhi pulled off a fine save to block a fierce long-range drive from central midfielder Boubacar Traore.