Egypt held by Zambia as Group A remains wide open at U20 AFCON
Hosts Egypt were left frustrated as they were held to a goalless draw by Zambia in their second Group A match at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 on Saturday night in Ismailia.
The result sees Egypt move to four points from two games, following their earlier win over South Africa and a heavy defeat to Sierra Leone. Zambia, meanwhile, have now played out consecutive goalless draws in the tournament, having also been held by Sierra Leone in their opener.
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.
The result means Sierra Leone remain top of Group A with six points after their earlier 1-0 win over Tanzania, while Egypt sit second. Zambia stay in the hunt with two points and will go into their final group game needing a win to secure a knockout berth.
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.