FC Barcelona forward Abde crowned Champions of Africa with Morocco
Abde led the Moroccans throughout the tournament, leading the goals and assists charts
Abde left the final of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations with the Champion's medal. The Blaugrana winger led his Moroccan side that beat Egypt in the final, though they left it till very late in extra time.
The winger also finished as top scorer (3) and playmaker(3).
The Barça forward, who will start the pre-season under Xavi, will try to convince the coach that he is ready to challenge for a first-team spot. He has been a benchmark player for the Morocco team throughout the tournament, who secured their ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as well after reaching the semi-finals.
The match against the Egyptians, who took the lead thanks to Hassan's goal after ten minutes, was very even. Reis Micale's side held the lead for much of the first half, but Begraoui, after an assist from El Khannouss, equalised in the 37th minute. After the break, it was goalless and went to extra time.
It was not until the end of extra time that another Moroccan goal ended the Egyptian dream and allowed captain Abde to lift the trophy in a packed Stade Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
Alongside Abde, fellow Blaugrana Chadi Riad, of Barça Atlètic but closely followed by Xavi, was proclaimed Africa Cup champion.
