South Africa’s Amajimbos made an electrifying start to their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) campaign, clinching a dramatic 4-3 victory over Egypt in their Group B opener on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
In a rollercoaster contest packed with goals, penalties, and a late red card, Emile Witbooi’s decisive 71st-minute strike proved to be the match-winner, sending South Africa level on points with Burkina Faso at the top of Group B.
A First-Half Goal Fest
The match burst into life straight from kickoff, with South Africa taking the lead in the first minute through Simphiwe Mlondo. However, Egypt responded swiftly, leveling just three minutes later via a powerful header from Anas Roshdi.
The Pharaohs then took control, storming into a 3-1 lead thanks to a second goal from Roshdi and a clinical finish by Hamza Abdel Karim. Egypt looked dominant, but South Africa had other ideas.
Just when it seemed the Amajimbos were on the ropes, they roared back into contention. Two expertly converted penalties from Neo Bohloko—the first in the 27th minute and the second just before half-time—dragged South Africa level at 3-3 heading into the break.
Witbooi Strikes as Egypt See Red
With both teams searching for a winner, the second half remained tense and end-to-end. The decisive moment arrived in the 71st minute, as Witbooi coolly slotted home from the center of the box following a perfectly timed assist from Bohloko.
Egypt’s frustration grew, and their night went from bad to worse in stoppage time, as Omar Abdel Aziz saw red after a VAR review, reducing the Pharaohs to 10 men in the dying moments.
With the final whistle, South Africa celebrated a massive three points, sending an early warning to their Group B rivals.
FULL-TIME!
South Africa outscore Egypt in a high scoring game to collect all 3 points. 🇿🇦 #RSAEGY | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/E5N1P6klzW
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) March 31, 2025What’s Next?
The Amajimbos now shift focus to a crucial clash with Cameroon on Thursday, while Egypt will be desperate for redemption as they face Burkina Faso in a must-win encounter.
With fireworks in the opening match, Group B promises more drama, passion, and high-stakes football in the coming days!
