Egypt narrowly edge Tanzania to secure U-20 AFCON quarterfinal spot - National Teams
Hosts Egypt secured their place in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania in their Group A final match at the Suez Canal Stadium on Friday.
Forward Ahmed Sharaf netted the decisive goal in the seventh minute, capitalizing on a rebound from Tanzania's goalkeeper Anthony Mpemba after a free kick by Ahmed Khaled Kabaka, firing a right-footed shot from close range into the center of the goal.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Tanzania failed to pose any real threat to Egypt goalkeeper Abdel-Moneim Tamer, while the young Pharaohs struggled to create scoring opportunities of their own.
After the break, Tanzania maintained their dominance, exploiting Egypt's shaky defense and generating more dangerous chances and forcing Tamer into several fine saves to keep his clean sheet intact.
Egypt's players, however, offered little in response as they struggled to build offensive momentum, failing to develop counterattacks and control the pace of the game.
The win lifted Egypt to third in Group A with seven points, level with group winners South Africa and Sierra Leone, but advancing as one of the two best third-placed teams due to a superior goal difference.
The tournament's four semi-finalists will earn qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, set to kick off in September.
The four-time champions Egypt will face a tough test against Ghana in the quarter-finals on Monday, aiming to continue their campaign.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
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