South Africa paid the price for missed chances when they started their U20 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 loss to host Egypt on Sunday.
In an exciting match, Amajita went down through a second half goal when a turnover in possession and poor defending saw Mohamed Abdallah fire home for the hosts after 62 minutes.
Raymond Mdaka’s team had started well as Mfundo Vilakazi nearly pulled off the spectacular when he spotted the goalkeeper off his line and took a shot from 40 yards out but the ball went just over.
Amajita misses two good chances
Lee Ahshene then drew a good save from the Egypt goalkeeper after a good counterattack from South Africa in the 23rd minute as the first half ended goalless.
After the break, South Africa suffered a setback when captain Asekho Tiwani was stretchered off. By this time, Egypt were the team with the momentum as they easily curved the Amajita defence open.
However, on the hour mark, South Africa had a great opportunity when Mamelodi Sundowns’ Kutlwano Letlhaku went on a solo run, cut inside before firing at the near post but his effort hit the post.
Where does defeat leave South Africa?
Two minutes later, Egypt were celebrating a goal after South Africa gave away possession with Abdallah receiving the ball and running towards the goal, shrugging off two Amajita defenders, to slot a low shot past goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe.
South Africa would have two good opportunities after, Letlhaku receiving a great ball and beating his markers before hitting the post, while substitute Faiz Abrahams had a great header in the 88th minute but directed it at the goalkeeper.
It sees South Africa now play catch up in Group A, which is led by Egypt with three points, while Zambia and Sierra Leone have a point each after their goalless draw earlier in the day.
