South Africa triumphs over Egypt in seven-goal thriller at U17 AFCON

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South Africa triumphs over Egypt in seven-goal thriller at U17 AFCON

South Africa made a dramatic start to their U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Egypt in Morocco on Monday night.

The Group B opener delivered an electrifying display of attacking football, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower in a match filled with momentum swings and spectacular goals.

First-half goal frenzy

The game erupted into action almost immediately, as Simphiwe Khethokuhle Miondo fired South Africa ahead in the opening minute.

However, Egypt responded swiftly through Anas Roshdi El Sayed Mohamed Emam, who equalized before doubling his tally in the 13th minute to turn the match in the Pharaohs’ favor.

Egypt extended their lead further in the 18th minute when Hamza Mohamed Abdel Karim found the back of the net, leaving South Africa trailing 3-1.

But the young Bafana Bafana refused to back down.

Neo Daniel Bohloko stepped up to convert two penalties, first in the 27th minute and again just before halftime in the 41st minute, bringing the score level at 3-3 as the teams headed into the break.

Second-half decider

With the match finely balanced, both teams tightened their defenses in the second half.

The decisive moment came in the 71st minute, when Emile Amoreece Witbooi struck what proved to be the winning goal for South Africa, securing a hard-fought 4-3 victory.

Group B standings

With the win, South Africa moves to the top of Group B with three points, level with Burkina Faso, who also won their opening match.

Egypt and Cameroon, meanwhile, remain without points after their first fixtures.

South Africa’s victory sets an early tone in what promises to be a fiercely contested group, while Egypt will now face added pressure to recover in their next outing.