CAIRO – Hosts Egypt was held to a goalless draw by Zambia in their second Group A match at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, in Ismailia.
The result keeps Sierra Leone at the top of Group A with six points following their 1-0 win over Tanzania, while Egypt sits second with four points from two games. Zambia, with two points from two draws, comes third and will need a win in their final group match to secure a knockout spot.
The young Pharaohs will next face Tanzania on Friday in their final group game.
The top two teams from each of the three groups will advance to the quarter-finals, alongside the two best third-placed teams. The four semi-finalists will book their spots at the U-20 World Cup.
The tournament, hosted by Egypt, also serves as a qualifying pathway to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, set to take place in Chile in 2025.
Despite the lack of goals, the match provided plenty of drama and attacking intent from both sides.
Egypt came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 67th minute when Ahmed Kabaka rattled the crossbar with a fierce shot from range. Moments later, Mohamed Zaalouk fired just wide from close range, as the hosts ramped up the pressure.
Zambia, for their part, carved out chances of their own. David Simukonda and Joseph Sabobo were particularly threatening, with Simukonda skying a golden opportunity in stoppage time after being played through on goal.
The first-half had seen both teams go toe-to-toe, with Mohamed Abdallah of Egypt testing Zambia keeper Leevison Banda with a well-struck effort in the 11th minute.
Joseph Sabobo responded for Zambia, dragging a shot just wide midway through the opening period.
Egypt, knowing victory would have sealed qualification, introduced fresh legs in the second-half in a bid to find the breakthrough. But Zambia remained organised and resolute at the back, with Charles Buyoya and Happy Nsiku standing tall under mounting pressure.
Egypt, meanwhile, will have to avoid defeat in their final group match to progress and ease growing pressure from home supporters, who were hoping for a strong statement after the humiliating loss to debutants Sierra Leone.
Earlier in the day, Sierra Leone continued their impressive run at the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, with a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania in Group A at the Suez Canal Stadium.
Samuel Gandi’s close-range finish in the 37th minute — awarded following a VAR check — proved decisive in a tight contest as Sierra Leone recorded back-to-back victories to move to six points and the brink of a historic quarter-final spot in their maiden appearance at the tournament.
Tanzania, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their opener, is now left needing a win in their final group game to keep any hopes of progression alive.
The match opened at a lively pace with Tanzania showing attacking intent, carving out several early chances.
Bakari Msimu missed a glorious opportunity from close range in the 17th minute, before Said Naushad and Cyprian Kachwele both forced saves from Sierra Leone keeper Mamadou Jalloh.
But it was Sierra Leone who found the breakthrough, slightly against the run of play. After a shot from Mohamed Bai Kamara was parried into danger, Gandi reacted quickest to slot home.
The goal initially appeared in doubt but was eventually upheld after a VAR review — much to the joy of the Sierra Leone bench.
Tanzania responded with urgency after the break, pressing higher and dominating possession. Jammy Simba and Ahmed Pipino both came close to equalising, with Simba hitting a header narrowly wide and Pipino firing a free-kick just off target.
As the clock ticked down, the East Africans continued to probe. Substitute Vedastus Masinde’s shot was blocked, and Anthony Mlingo’s late push failed to yield results as Sierra Leone held firm defensively.
Sierra Leone could have doubled their lead on the counter, with Momoh Kamara and Sulaiman Kargbo both seeing efforts blocked in the dying minutes.
