Shakeel April strike hands South Africa vital win over Tanzania at TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON
South Africa reignited their hopes of progressing at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over tournament debutants Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium on Wednesday.
After losing their opening Group A match 1-0 to hosts Egypt, the Amajita responded with determination, securing all three points thanks to a 27th-minute winner from Shakeel April, who was a constant threat throughout the contest.
The victory lifts South Africa back into contention in the group, while Tanzania, making their first appearance in the tournament since 2021, were left to rue missed chances in a spirited second-half display.
South Africa began the match with urgency, creating early opportunities through Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams, before finally breaking the deadlock midway through the first half.
April latched onto a well-weighted through ball from Abrahams, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Ibrahim Nindi to give the Amajita a deserved lead.
Tanzania, who had a bye in the opening round, struggled to find rhythm early on but grew into the match after the break.
Forward Bakari Msimu was at the heart of their fightback, forcing two saves and coming close with a header in the dying minutes, while Ashrafu Kibeku and Said Naushad also tested the South African defence with long-range efforts.
Despite a flurry of late chances, including a string of corners and shots narrowly off target, Tanzania could not find an equaliser.
South Africa held firm during seven minutes of added time to preserve their lead and secure a crucial three points in Group A.
The result marks South Africa's first victory in a second group-stage game at the U-20 AFCON since 2019 and keeps their knockout hopes alive.
For Tanzania, it was a frustrating return to the tournament, having shown promise in their CECAFA U-20 Championship triumph but lacking the finishing touch at this level.
South Africa now prepare for a decisive final group match against Zambia, while Tanzania face the daunting task of playing the hosts Egypt in their next fixture.
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