U-20 AFCON: South Africa survive late charge to edge Tanzania

South Africa bounced back from their opening day defeat on Wednesday by beating Tanzania 1-0 in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Group A encounter. The Amajitas overcame a very physical Tanzanian side at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismaila, Egypt.

Few scoring opportunities were presented for either side in the first half. Tanzania looked the better side in terms of possession and direct play during the opening exchanges, but they had to wait until the 15th minute for their first scoring opportunity which came through a failed strike from Valentino Mashaka.

The Amajitas took a surprising lead in the 27th minute when Shakeel April capitalized on poor buildup play from Tanzanian goalkeeper Ismail Mpank. April finished off the move after being set up by Faiz Abrahams.

The East Africans came close to restoring parity, but Shekhani Khamis failed to guide his header on target later in the first half.

Tanzania came out the stronger side in the second half. Striker Bakari Msimu was their main threat throughout the half. He nearly leveled the score with a header but Amajitas goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe was up to the task.

Following the victory, South Africa are now second in Group A with three points. Tanzania begin their campaign with a narrow defeat and currently sit fifth with one match played.

South Africa will have almost a week off before they return to action in Group A against Sierra Leone next Tuesday. Tanzania take on Sierra Leone on Saturday in their second match of the group stage.