U-20 AFCON: Hosts Egypt edge unlucky South Africa
- Andrew Olsson
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
Al Ahly forward Mohamed Abdallah's 62nd minute strike was all hosts Egypt needed to secure victory on Sunday to complete the first day of action from the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Abdallah's goal confirmed a difficult defeat to take for South Africa, who had numerous missed opportunities and saw captain Asekho Tiwani go off with a nasty looking knee injury. Egypt midfielder Momen Sherif was also forced off with a scary looking injury in the first half.
Amajita controlled the early exchanges, nearly stunning the home crowd in the first half Mfundo Vilakazi's audacious attempt from 45 yards caught Egypt goalkeeper Abdelmonem Tamer off his line only for the ball to hit the post. Tamer was forced into action soon after to deny Lee Ahshene.
But the hosts increased their level towards the end of the first half and caught the South African team on the break in the 62nd minute. Mohamed Raafat played in club teammate Abdallah down the left flank and with two defenders closing him down, Abdallah unleashed a powerful low effort past Amajita keeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe.
More frustration ensued for the South Africans. Tamer did excellently to tip Ashene's 60th minute shot off the post. Less than eight minutes later, Kutiwano Letlhaku was played in behind the Egyptian defense but Tamer somehow got his shin on the resulting shot to deflect the ball off the post once again.
Egypt held on for the final half hour to earn all three points and snatch top spot in Group A. They will face Sierra Leone next on Wednesday while South Africa take on Tanzania in their next match on the same day.
