South Africa made a statement of intent at the CAF U-17 AFCON with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Egypt in their Group B opener on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
In a rollercoaster contest packed with drama, penalties, and a red card, it was Emile Witbooi’s 71st-minute strike that ultimately sealed the win for Amajimbos, who now sit top of the group alongside Burkina Faso with three points.
The match exploded into life almost immediately, as South Africa took the lead in the first minute through Simphiwe Mlondo.
Egypt responded quickly, equalising three minutes later with a header from Anas Roshdi. The Pharaohs then surged ahead 3-1 with goals from Roshdi again and Hamza Abdel Karim in a dominant 20-minute spell.
But South Africa roared back before the break. Two penalties from Neo Bohloko – the first in the 27th minute and the second just before half-time – levelled the scores at 3-3 going into the interval.
Both sides created chances in a tense second half, but it was Witbooi who found the breakthrough, calmly finishing from the centre of the box after a well-timed pass from Bohloko.
Egypt’s misery was compounded in stoppage time when Omar Abdel Aziz received a red card following a VAR review.
The result sees South Africa join Burkina Faso – who earlier came from behind to beat Cameroon 2-1 – at the top of Group B.
The Amajimbos now turn their focus to a clash with Cameroon on Thursday, while Egypt will seek redemption against Burkina Faso.
Zambia cruise past Tanzania
Zambia opened their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania at Stade El Bachir on Monday.
A composed display from the Junior Chipolopolo saw them take control early and never look back, with goals from four different players securing a crucial win in Group A.
Jonathan Kalimina got things started for Zambia with a superb long-range effort in the 8th minute that nestled into the bottom corner.
The East Africans struggled to respond, and Zambia doubled their lead just before half-time when Abel Nyirongo finished from close range after a well-placed cross from Nthasilwe Malupande.
Tanzania had their chances, especially in the early stages of the second half, with Juma Sagwe forcing a save and seeing several efforts blocked, but Zambia’s defensive organisation kept them at bay.
Mike Mutale effectively sealed the result for Zambia in the 79th minute, tapping in from close range after a VAR review confirmed the goal.
Despite a late push from Tanzania, which saw Juma Sagwe pull one back with a well-taken header in stoppage time, Zambia had the final say.
Substitute Gabriel Phiri added a fourth just two minutes later to wrap up a dominant performance.
The win places Zambia in a strong early position in Group A as they are joint top with Morocco with three points each, while Tanzania will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture against Uganda on Thursday.
Tapsoba brace gets Burkina Faso off the mark against Cameroon
Burkina Faso got their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations off to a positive start on Monday after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Cameroon in the opening match of Group B in Morocco.
Asharaf Tapsoba continued with his fine form with a stunning brace that ensured the former champions kick off their title chase with a positive result.
Tabsoba, who was key in Burkina Faso’s qualification at the WAFU B qualifiers where he netted a brace in the final against Cote d’Ivoire has brought his rich vein of form to the finals in Morocco.
The lethal forward wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet with a strike in the 19th minute to open the scoring and settle the nerves for the former champions who last lifted the title in 2011.
Tapsoba was back on the scoresheet towards the closing stages of the first stanza with the completion of his brace in the 41st minute to give his side the two-goal cushion ahead of the break.
Coming back from the recess, Cameroon went all out in search of a goal but were met by a resolute Burkinabe defense that kept them at bay.
The pressure from the Cameroonians eventually yielded results, with David Nyangono pulling one back in the 75th minute to set up an exciting close to the encounter.
With the leveller in reach, Cameroon sent numbers forward but discipline in defence by the former champions saw them secure the much needed three points ahead of their next fixture against Egypt on Thursday.
Cameroon in the meantime will have to put the disappointment behind them as they prepare to meet South Africa in their next encounter on Thursday evening.
For more information about the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON, Morocco 2025, visit CAF ONLINE.
