Egypt booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (U-20 AFCON) with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium on Friday evening.
Ahmed Sharaf’s seventh-minute goal proved decisive, as the hosts finished the group stage level on seven points with South Africa and Sierra Leone but advanced thanks to a superior head-to-head record.
Tanzania, already eliminated before kickoff, exited the tournament without a point or a goal from four matches, extending their winless run at U-20 AFCON finals to seven games across two appearances.
Egypt started brightly, with Mohamed Zaalouk’s initial effort parried into the path of Sharaf, who calmly slotted home from close range.
Despite early control, the Pharaohs struggled to extend their lead, and Tanzania grew into the game. Substitute Vedastus Masinde came closest for the East Africans, forcing a strong save from the Egyptian keeper with a well-timed header after the hour mark.
Coach Salum Mayanga’s side showed determination, registering more shots and extended spells in Egyptian territory, but finishing woes persisted — a theme throughout their campaign. Late chances for Bakari Msimu and Jammy Simba went begging as Egypt clung to their slender advantage with solid defending.
The win spares Egypt the disappointment of back-to-back group-stage eliminations as hosts, following their 2023 exit. While the performance was far from polished, it was enough to secure progress.
For Tanzania, the tournament ends as a harsh lesson: four defeats, no goals scored, and much work ahead to be competitive at this level.
Meanwhile, South Africa and Zambia played out a 1-1 draw in Cairo, ensuring both sides progressed to the knockout stage. South Africa’s Kutlwano Letlhaku opened the scoring in the 8th minute, before Zambia’s Bonephanseo Phiri equalized just four minutes later.
Despite chances on both ends, neither side could find a winner. South Africa topped the group on goal difference, while Zambia advanced in fourth with six points after three draws and a win.
Zambia, the 2017 champions, will aim to improve their attacking output in the knockout rounds, while South Africa continue their quest for a maiden U-20 AFCON continental crown.
Here’s how Group A’s final standings look like. ⬇️ #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/H7qW4IaMBP
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 9, 2025
