South Africa sent a strong message at the Total Energies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations with an exciting 4-3 victory over Egypt in their Group B opener on Monday night at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
The match was a dramatic rollercoaster filled with penalties and a red card, culminating in Emile Witbooi’s decisive strike in the 71st minute, which secured the win for Amajimbos. With this victory, South Africa currently sits at the top of the group alongside Burkina Faso, both with three points.
The action started right away as South Africa scored in the first minute through Simphiwe Mlondo. However, Egypt quickly responded, equalizing just three minutes later with a header from Anas Roshdi. The Pharaohs then took control, going ahead 3-1 with two goals from Roshdi and Hamza Abdel Karim within a dominant 20-minute period.
Nevertheless, South Africa made a strong comeback before halftime. Neo Bohloko converted two penalties—one in the 27th minute and another just before the break—leveling the match at 3-3 by the time they entered the locker rooms.
In the tense second half, both teams created opportunities, but it was Witbooi who found the net, calmly finishing from the center of the box after a well-timed pass from Bohloko.
Egypt’s situation worsened in stoppage time when Omar Abdel Aziz received a red card following a VAR review.
Looking ahead, the Amajimbos will turn their focus to their upcoming match against Cameroon on Thursday, while Egypt will aim for redemption against Burkina Faso.
