South Africa reignited their campaign at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, with a narrow but vital 1-0 triumph over debutants Tanzania on Wednesday at the Suez Canal Stadium.
After suffering a 1-0 defeat in their opening Group A clash against tournament hosts Egypt, the Amajita bounced back with resilience, grabbing all three points courtesy of a 27th-minute strike by Shakeel April, who proved a constant menace to the Tanzanian defence.
This win breathes new life into South Africa’s group-stage ambitions, while Tanzania, returning to the competition for the first time since 2021, were left to count the cost of missed opportunities despite a spirited performance in the second half.
South Africa came out with clear intent, testing the opposition early through chances from Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams.
Their pressure paid off when Abrahams threaded a precise ball through to April, who finished coolly past goalkeeper Ibrahim Nindi to hand his side the advantage.
Although Tanzania had a bye in the first round, they looked disjointed in the early stages. However, they gradually settled and came alive after the interval.
Bakari Msimu led their response, drawing two sharp saves and nearly finding the net with a late header. Midfielders Ashrafu Kibeku and Said Naushad also challenged the South African backline with shots from distance.
Despite mounting pressure and a barrage of corners during seven minutes of added time, the East Africans couldn’t find the back of the net.
The Amajita remained composed, seeing out the final minutes to claim a hard-earned victory and a vital foothold in Group A.
This marks South Africa’s first win in a second group-stage fixture at the U-20 AFCON since 2019, putting them firmly in the hunt for a knockout-stage berth.
Tanzania, on the other hand, were left disappointed following a promising campaign at the CECAFA U-20 Championship, where they had impressed with their attacking prowess, but couldn’t replicate that sharpness on this bigger stage.
Looking ahead, South Africa faces a crucial showdown against Zambia, while Tanzania must brace for a tough encounter against hosts Egypt.
Tanzania’s U-20 head coach, Suleiman Hemed Morocco, recognized the uphill challenge that lies ahead after being drawn into what he described as a tough Group A.
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