Relive 2011 U-23 AFCON: When Gabon stunned the entire continent

The maiden edition of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) took place from 26 November to 10 December 2011 in the Moroccan cities of Marrakech and Tangiers.

Originally scheduled for Egypt, the eight team tournament was relocated to Morocco following security concerns in the former at the time.

The participating teams were host Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria and Algeria in Group A (Marrakech) with Egypt, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire and South Africa in Group B (Tangiers).

After the round robin matches, Morocco and Senegal progressed from Group A joining Egypt and Gabon from Group B.

Host Morocco stunned Egypt 3-2 at the semis whilst Gabon left it late to beat Senegal 1-0 after extra time set up a final date with the host nation.

In the final, Gabon under the tutelage of Claude Albert Mbourounot stunned the host with a 2-1 win in Marrakech to claim the title and qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games alongside Morocco and Egypt, who placed third. Later, Senegal beat Oman 2-0 in the continental play-off to make it four African teams in London.

Facts

• Moroccan midfielder Abdelaziz Barrada has the enviable record of being the scorer of the first goal recorded in the history of the U-23 AFCON final tournament. The France-born player, then on the books of Spanish side Getafe scored the only goal on 28 minutes as Morocco beat Nigeria 1-0 in the opening match in Marrakech.

• 35 goals were scored in the 16 matches with Abdelaziz Barrada and Nigerian Raheem Lawal finishing joint top scorers on three goals apiece.

Famous Players

The tournament served a platform for many players to cut their teeth to stardom. The rich list of alumni includes the following:

Algeria: Djameleddine Benlamri, Mehdi Abeid, Youcef Belaïli, Baghdad Bounedjah

Morocco: Abdelaziz Barrada, Zakarya Bergdich, Abdelatif Noussir

Nigeria: Nwankwo Obiora, Olarenwaju Kayode, Michael Babatunde

Senegal: Pape Souare, Kara Mbodj, Lamine Gassama, Baye Oumar Niasse

Cote d’Ivoire: Lacina Traore, Jean Michael Seri, Krahire Yannick Zakri

Egypt: Ahmed Hegazy, Marwan Mohsen, Mohamed Salah, Mohamed El-Nenny

Gabon: Didier Ndong Ibrahim,André Biyogo Poko,Levy Clement Madinda

South Africa: Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Brighton Mhlongo, Eric Mathoho