2025 U17 AFCON: Witbooi Scores As South Africa Staged Comeback Win Against Egypt

• South African under-17 came back from two goals down to defeat Egypt in their 2025 U17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening group game on Monday
• Emile Witbooi was one of the stand out performers for Amajimbos against the Young Pharaohs at the Laarbi Zaouili Stadium in Casablanca
• South Africa will face another top side in their next match at the ongoing competition in Morocco

South African under-17 side began their 2025 U17 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a win over Egypt at the Laarbi Zaouili Stadium in Casablanca on Monday evening.

Emile Witbooi showed off his brilliance as Amajimbos staged a comeback to claim all three points with a 4-3 win over the young Pharaohs.

Amajimbos were the first team to score in the game but were pegged back by Egypt with three quick goals before SA produced a masterclass.

South Africa defeated Egypt in 2025 U17 AFCON group match

Read also

Bafana Bafana move up on latest FIFA rankings after back to back wins in WCQ

South Africa started on the strong foot by scoring the first goal of the game in the opening seconds through Simphiwe Mlondo after a wonderful assist from Witbooi.

Amajimbos' lead didn't stand for so long as Egypt got an equaliser through Anas Roshdy five minutes later. The Egyptian youngster hit a brace with a beautiful bicycle kick after eight minutes to give his team the lead.

South Africa defence were punished in the 18th minute by Hamza Abdelkerem as the young Pharaohs extended their lead to 3-1.

South Africa fought back and reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the 30 minutes after Neo Bohloko converted. The comeback was completed five minutes before the break as Bohloko scored from the spot again.

Amajimbos should've gone on a break with a lead, but Witbooi missed a golden opportunity to keep the scores at 3-3 at half-time.

The second half began slowly compared to the first half, as the first 10 minutes didn't produce any good chance for both sides.

Read also

Pirates secure crucial away win against MC Alger in CAF Champions League quarterfinal

Witbooi had a shot on target four minutes after hitting the hour mark, with his effort being saved by the Egyptian shot-stopper.

South Africa secured all three points after Witbooi found the back of the net after being set-up by Bohloko in the 70th minute.

Amajimbos held on the one goal lead as the match ended 4-3 in favour of the Mzansi youngsters, as they capped off a good start at the 2025 U17 African Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Amajimbos' next group match would be against Cameroon, who lost their first game against Burkina Faso, on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Mdaka addresses uncertainty over Campbell's availability for AFCON U20

Briefly News also reported that Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka has shared update on the uncertainty regarding Shandre Campbell's availability for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations which would be held in Ivory Coast.

The former Cape Town City star might not be released for the competition by his current club side Club Brugge as he's being used as part of the first team.

Source: Briefly News