Hosts Egypt were left frustrated on Saturday night as they were held to a tense 0-0 draw by Zambia in their second Group A clash at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (U-20 AFCON), Egypt 2025, in Ismailia.
The result moves Egypt to four points from two matches after their opening win over South Africa and a heavy loss to Sierra Leone. Zambia, meanwhile, have now played back-to-back goalless draws, keeping their knockout hopes alive heading into the final round.
Despite the scoreline, the match was packed with drama. Egypt nearly found the winner in the 67th minute when Ahmed Kabaka smashed a long-range shot against the crossbar, followed moments later by Mohamed Zaalouk curling an effort just wide.
Zambia, who remained disciplined and compact, carved out late chances of their own, with David Simukonda squandering a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time when clean through on goal.
The first half saw both sides trade attacks, as Mohamed Abdallah tested Zambia keeper Leevison Banda early, while Joseph Sabobo came close for Zambia with a low drive just past the post. Egypt’s urgency grew in the second half, but Zambia’s defensive pairing of Charles Buyoya and Happy Nsiku stood firm under heavy pressure.
With Sierra Leone topping Group A on six points after a 1-0 win over Tanzania earlier on Saturday, Egypt now sit second and must avoid defeat in their final match to secure a quarter-final berth. Zambia, sitting on two points, will need victory in their last group U-20 AFCON group game to advance.
Meanwhile, debutants Sierra Leone continued their fairy-tale run with a second straight win, edging Tanzania 1-0 thanks to Samuel Gandi’s VAR-confirmed strike in the 37th minute at the Suez Canal Stadium. Sierra Leone’s seven points have already secured them a historic place in the knockout stages.
Tanzania, still without a point after losses to South Africa and Sierra Leone, now face a must-win situation in their final group fixture to keep faint qualification hopes alive.
