By David Gold
December 10 – Egypt beat Senegal 2-0 in the third-place play-off of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) under-23 tournament in Marrakech to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
A goal from Mohamed Abdel Baset put them ahead in the first period of their clash before Saleh Gomaa got a crucial second after half-time to secure the victory.
Senegal will now have to wait until April to take on an Asian team in a play-off in Coventry for a final chance to make it to London next year.
Meanwhile, Gabon won the tournament after a 2-1 victory over Morocco in a game that was overshadowed by the third-place play-off due to that game’s importance.
Abdelaziz Barrada had inspired Morocco to victory over Egypt earlier this week but he was recalled by his club side, Getafe, for their game with Granada this weekend and his absence was keenly felt.
Younes Mokhtar put the hosts ahead in the first-half to give Morocco hope of lifting the title, but they were stunned as two quick goals before half-time turned the game on its head.
Landry Obiang got the first for Gabon before Allen Nono’s winner, as Morocco were unable to come back, and they finished with 10 men after the goalkeeper Yassine El Kharroubi was sent off.
Gabon also had midfielder Ibrahim Ndong dismissed late on, but the 2012 African Nations Cup hosts could not care as they enjoyed a memorable victory.
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