Egypt frustrate Zambia to qualify for U23 AFCON

Egypt have become the second team to qualify for the TotalEnergies Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations after holding Zambia to a goalless draw at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The Young Pharaohs join hosts Morocco in this year’s tournament, with a 2-0 victory on aggregate. The Egyptians had won the first leg in their backyard 2-0 and it is that result that sailed them through against a hard fighting Zambian side.

In the return fixture, Zambia needed to match Egypt’s result from the first leg to at least force the game to penalties or win by a three-goal margin. However, they fell short on home soil.

They had pushed for opportunities to score from the first minute, with John Kosamu having a chance earlier on with a shot from distance which flew over the bar.

In the second half, they stepped up their pursuit of just a single goal that would spark their confidence, but they couldn’t hit the net with Joshua Mutale striking over from distance while Happy Nsiku saw his effort well collected by the keeper.

The Under-23 tournament will be staged in Morocco from 23 June - 8 July and contested by eight teams.