JOHANNESBURG - The SA Under-20 team had to dig deep to edge Egypt 2-1 in a top of the table group B clash in the Cosafa U-20 Youth Championships in Kitwe, Zambia on Monday.
A late change in logistics saw the fixture moved back to Nkana Stadium, where both teams had collected their first two group victories after the match was scheduled to be played at Arthur Davies Stadium.
This seemed to suit the North Africans more in the first half after they managed to open the scoring in the 18th minute from a Mohamed Karem strike.
Sifundo Sibiya came on to replace Happy Mashiane after the interval and the change had an immediate effect on proceedings. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo managed the much-needed equaliser for South Africa in the 58th minute.
Luvuyo Mkatshana gave Amajita the lead in the 71st minute which they would hold until the final whistle and in the process help the SA team qualify for the semifinals of the youth regional tournament.
#Amajita beat Egypt 2-1 to finish top of group B in the #COSAFAU20CHAMPS in Kitwe, Zambia @madamenamhla @AmajitaU20 @COSAFAMEDIA pic.twitter.com/49IDjufHQH
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) December 11, 2017
South Africa will play on Thursday in the first semifinal match, while the winner of group A, guests Uganda will face the winner of group C in the second semi final. The two opponents will be confirmed on Tuesday when group C concludes.