South Africa made a statement of intent at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Egypt in their Group B opener on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
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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.
