Sierra Leone’s U-20 national team endured a disappointing night on Tuesday after falling 4-1 to South Africa at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, in their third Group A match of the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite coming into the game as group leaders with two wins from two matches, Sierra Leone struggled against a determined South African side fighting to stay in contention for a quarterfinal spot.
South Africa, known as Amajita, had opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to hosts Egypt but bounced back with a win over Tanzania. Tuesday’s result puts them second in the group with six points from three matches—just one behind Sierra Leone who remain top with seven.
The match saw Cape Town City striker Jody Ah Shene fire South Africa into an early lead in the 13th minute, finishing a superb long-range shot after a clever back-heel from Shakeel April. SuperSport United’s Neo Rapoo doubled the lead in the 60th minute, this time assisted by Ah Shene.
Sierra Leone pulled one back through captain and forward Momoh Kamara in the 69th minute, offering hope of a comeback. However, late goals in the 86th and 89th minutes from Thabang Mahlangu ensured a convincing victory for Amajita.
The result means the race to the quarterfinals remains wide open in Group A. Zambia, who sit third with five points, face South Africa on Friday in Cairo, a crucial match for both teams’ qualification hopes. Egypt are in fourth with four points, while Tanzania remain winless at the bottom.
The top two teams in each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals. The four semifinalists will automatically qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup scheduled for September and October in Chile.
Sierra Leone will now look to bounce back in their final group match to secure a spot in the knockout stage.
