South Africa U20 secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Tanzania U20 on Tuesday, April 30, in the second round of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The Group A encounter saw Shakeel April score the decisive goal in the 28th minute, giving the Amajita their first win of the tournament.
Despite a determined response from Tanzania, South Africa held firm in defence to see out the narrow win.
The result propels South Africa to second place in the group with three points from two matches, while Tanzania drop to the bottom after their opening defeat.
The match was a tightly contested affair, with both sides showing tactical discipline but struggling to create clear chances.
South Africa’s breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark, when April capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home the opener.
The game was marked by a flurry of second-half substitutions, with South Africa making three changes in the 64th minute and Tanzania responding with four substitutions by the 60th minute.
In the group standings, Egypt lead with three points and a superior goal difference, having played just one match.
South Africa also have three points but a level goal difference of 1:1. Sierra Leone and Zambia share third place with one point each, while Tanzania are yet to register a point.
With the group still wide open, South Africa’s win significantly boosts their hopes of progressing, while Tanzania face mounting pressure ahead of their remaining group fixtures.
