Host nation Egypt booked their spot in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 (U-20 AFCON) after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Ghana, following a pulsating 2-2 draw after extra time at the New Suez Stadium.
In a clash between two African football powerhouses, Egypt took an early 2-0 lead through Momen Sherif, who netted twice in the 19th and 27th minutes. Ghana hit back just before halftime through Aziz Issah, who fired in a spectacular long-range effort.
The drama intensified in the 11th minute of stoppage time when VAR awarded Ghana a penalty for a foul on Joseph Opoku, which Abdul Sulemana converted to force extra time.
Ghana were reduced to 10 men in the 107th minute after Aaron Essel received a second yellow card. Egypt created several late chances but could not find the winner in open play.
In the penalty shootout, Egypt converted all five spot-kicks through Ahmed Abdin, Ahmed Kabaka, Seif El Deen Essam, Mohamed Raafat, and Abdallah Boustenji. Ghana’s Dacosta Antwi missed the decisive penalty, giving Egypt a 5-4 win and sending them to their eighth U-20 AFCON semi-final.
Morocco Edge Sierra Leone in Extra Time to Book U-20 AFCON Semi-Final Berth
Morocco joined the final four after a narrow 1-0 win over debutants Sierra Leone in extra time at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium. A heartbreaking own goal by Amara Keita in the 115th minute proved decisive after a tense, goalless affair.
Despite dominating possession and chances through Jones El Abdellaoui, Ismaël Baouf, and Adam El Mokhtari, Morocco struggled to beat a determined Sierra Leone side, who were reduced to 10 men after Samba Bah was sent off in the 90th minute.
The result secured Morocco’s place in the semi-finals and qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. It also marked their second semi-final appearance at the U-20 AFCON since 2005.
South Africa Edge DR Congo to Complete U-20 AFCON Semi-Final Lineup
South Africa sealed the final spot in the U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 semi-finals after a 1-0 extra-time victory over DR Congo. The breakthrough came in the 109th minute when Thabang Mahlangu tapped in from close range following a pinpoint cross from Shakeel April.
The tense quarter-final at the New Suez Stadium remained goalless in regulation time, with both teams creating opportunities but failing to capitalize. South Africa’s disciplined defense and decisive finishing proved key.
With the win, South Africa — also known as Amajita — not only reach the semi-finals but also earn a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
