Egypt Make Winning Start as Flying Eagles Set Sights on U-20 AFCON Glory
The Africa U-20 Cup of Nations kicked off on Sunday in Egypt, with the hosts getting off to a strong start in front of their home fans.
Egypt’s Young Pharaohs battled to a 1-0 win over South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium. Mohamed Abdallah scored the only goal in the second half, helping Egypt take an early lead in Group A.
It was not an easy win for Egypt. They lost three players to injury in the first half but stayed calm and defended well. South Africa came close to equalising when Mfundo Vilakazi hit the post early on, and Gopolang Taunyana almost scored with a late header. But Egypt’s defence stayed strong until the final whistle.
In the other Group A match, Zambia and Sierra Leone played out a goalless draw at the Suez Canal Stadium. Zambia dominated possession but could not break down Sierra Leone’s defence.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are preparing to begin their campaign in Egypt. The seven-time champions will face Tunisia in their opening Group B game on Thursday at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo. They will also take on Morocco and Kenya in what is expected to be a tough group.
Nigeria warmed up for the tournament with three international friendlies, winning two — against Ivory Coast and Egypt. The Flying Eagles are aiming for a record-extending eighth title and a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
The top four teams at the U-20 AFCON will qualify for the World Cup.
Egypt will be back in action on Wednesday when they face Sierra Leone, while South Africa will try to bounce back against Tanzania.
