AFCON U17 2025: South Africa clinches a nail-biting duel against Egypt

On Monday, March 31, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations U17 delivered a memorable spectacle at Stade El Arbi Zaouli, with a thrilling encounter between South Africa and Egypt. The young Bafana Bafana triumphed over the Pharaohs with a tight scoreline of 4-3, in a match full of twists and emotions.

South Africa strikes first, Egypt ignites

From the kickoff, the match took on a frenetic pace. South Africa took the lead thanks to a goal from Simphiwe Khethokuhle Mlondo in the 1st minute, assisted by Emile Witbooi. Egypt quickly responded with an equalizer by Anas Roshdi El Sayed in the 4th minute, assisted by Ibrahim El Nagaawy.

Full of energy, Anas Roshdi netted a brace in the 13th minute, putting the score at 2-1 in favor of the Pharaohs. Egypt further extended their lead in the 18th minute thanks to Hamza Abdelkarim, on a fine pass from Mohamed Sherif.

Outplayed, the Bafana Bafana bounce back and create a surprise

Trailing 3-1, the young Bafana Bafana did not give up. Neo Daniel Bohloko narrowed the gap by converting a penalty in the 31st minute, then struck again in the 40th minute, leveling the score at 3-3 before halftime. In the second half, the match remained undecided until the 71st minute, when Emile Witbooi, already instrumental at the start of the match, found the back of the net. He scored the winning goal for South Africa against Egypt.

The match ended on a tense note with the expulsion of Omar AbdulAziz, the Egyptian team's goalkeeper, in stoppage time (90+7). With a victory over Egypt, South Africa leads Group B.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.