AFCON U20: Nigeria begin title hunt as Egypt edge South Africa and Zambia share spoils with Sierra Leone

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are gearing up to extend their dominance at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, which kicked off on Sunday in Egypt, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Aliyu Zubairu’s side, already the tournament’s most successful team with seven titles, are eyeing an unprecedented eighth crown as they prepare to open their Group B campaign against Tunisia next Thursday at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.

The Flying Eagles will also take on Morocco and Kenya in what promises to be a fiercely contested group.

Nigeria played three international friendly matches – two against Cote d’Ivoire– in preparations for the U20 AFCON. The Flying Eagles won two of those – beating the Ivorians and Egypt.

Hosts Egypt made a winning start to the competition with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa at Cairo International Stadium, with Mohamed Abdallah scoring the decisive goal in the second half.

Despite suffering three first-half injuries that forced early substitutions, the Young Pharaohs held their nerve and deservedly claimed maximum points.

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Egypt dominated early possession but were made to work hard for their win, with South Africa’s Mfundo Vilakazi striking the post inside the opening 10 minutes. Gopolang Taunyana also came close to equalising with a late header, but Egypt’s defence stood firm under heavy pressure.

Earlier in Group A, Zambia and tournament debutants Sierra Leone played out a goalless draw at the Suez Canal Stadium.

Zambia, winners of the 2017 edition, enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but were continually frustrated by a resilient Sierra Leone side making their first appearance at the tournament.

Joseph Sabobo and Emmanuel Mutale had chances to seal victory for the Young Chipolopolo, while Sierra Leone’s Samba Bah threatened at the other end, forcing a series of fine saves.

The opening round of matches leaves Group A finely balanced, with Egypt topping the group ahead of their next fixture against Sierra Leone on Wednesday. South Africa, meanwhile, will seek to bounce back when they face Tanzania.

The top four teams at the tournament are guaranteed qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year in Chile.