Hosts Egypt kicked off their TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (U-20 AFCON) Egypt 2025 campaign with a gritty 1-0 win over South Africa at the iconic Cairo International Stadium on Sunday night, delighting home fans and going top of Group A after the opening round.
Following a vibrant opening ceremony and a tense goalless draw between Zambia and Sierra Leone, all eyes turned to the Young Pharaohs, who didn’t disappoint. The breakthrough arrived in the 62nd minute through Mohamed Abdallah, whose composed finish after a slick through ball from Mohamed Raafat proved decisive.
The goal capped a swift counter-attack and sent the Cairo crowd into raptures, as Egypt held on to claim a crucial three points in their quest for a record-extending fifth continental title at this level.
Egypt started brightly, controlling early possession, but were given a scare in the 10th minute when South Africa’s Mfundo Vilakazi rattled the post with a stunning long-range effort. The visitors grew in confidence, carving out chances, but the Egyptian defence and goalkeeper stood tall under pressure, especially in the closing minutes when Gopolang Taunyana’s header was safely gathered.
Despite being forced into three first-half substitutions due to injuries, Osama Nabih’s side maintained their shape and showed great tactical maturity to see out the win.
South Africa will rue missed opportunities, but remain well in the hunt with two group games left. They’ll aim to bounce back against Tanzania, while Egypt face Sierra Leone next, hoping to consolidate top spot in Group A.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇪🇬 1-0 🇿🇦
Mohamed Abdalla’s strike makes the difference as Egypt edge South Africa!#EGYRSA | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/ohCqNct2yO
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 27, 2025Earlier in the day, Zambia and tournament debutants Sierra Leone played out a 0-0 draw at Suez Canal Stadium. Zambia, the 2017 champions, dominated stretches of the match but couldn’t convert their superiority into goals. Joseph Sabobo was lively throughout, forcing several saves from Sierra Leone’s impressive keeper Samba Bah.
Debutants Sierra Leone impressed with their tenacity, creating several opportunities of their own. Nathaniel Jalloh and Alpha Turay provided attacking sparks, while Bah nearly won it with a late header that was tipped away.
As the group begins to take shape, the Young Pharaohs have laid down an early marker in their bid to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year, with only four tickets up for grabs.
Next matchday promises even more drama as all teams fight for a place in the knockout stages of Africa’s most prestigious youth football competition.
Matchday 1 wraps up, here’s a look at today’s results! 👇#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/6uzQ0Xyhnc
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 27, 2025
