A thrilling contest unfolded on Friday at Cairo International Stadium in the third-place match of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, ending 2-2 after regulation time. South Africa took an early lead in the 15th minute when Habib Mohammed, pressured by Luther Singh, managed to find the net, giving the team a 1-0 advantage at halftime.
The second half saw Ghana respond strongly. Evans Mensah leveled the score with a powerful strike, showcasing the team’s determination to fight back. However, South Africa regained the lead thanks to Kamohelo Mahlatsi, putting Ghana under pressure once more. In a dramatic turn of events, Samuel Obeng scored in the final five minutes to force the match into a penalty shootout, keeping Ghana’s hopes alive.
The penalty session proved equally intense. Ghana started well, but South Africa recovered quickly, ultimately prevailing 6-5. The shootout highlighted the nerve and composure of the South African players under pressure, allowing them to secure third place in the tournament.
Following this thrilling encounter, attention shifted to the grand final, scheduled for 18:00 GMT, where the host nation Egypt will face Ivory Coast. Both teams have already qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games, but the trophy remains at stake, promising another exciting showdown to conclude the U23 Africa Cup of Nations.
