AFCON U20: Egypt held by Mozambique in tournament opener

Egypt’s hopes of getting their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 campaign of to the perfect start were handed an early dent on Sunday evening as minnows Mozambique held them to a frustrating barren draw in the opening match of the continental showpiece.

In the match staged at the Cairo International Stadium, the Egyptians, being hosts of the junior competition, had hoped to get a fast start and make a statement of intent when they took on Mozambique in the Group A fixture.

That however failed to materialize as Mozambique proved to be a stubborn opposition as they held on for what could be a valuable point in the quest to make it to the playoffs of the twelve team competition.

Egypt, who are in their 18th participation of the tournament, qualified courtesy of being hosts and were joined in the North Zone (UNAF) alongside Tunisia who finished top of their Zonal qualifiers with five points, a point ahead of Libya and Morocco.

Mozambique on the other hand joined from the COSAFA Zone alongside Zambia. The Junior Chipolopolo of Zambia edged Mozambique 1-0 in the COSAFA final on 16 October 2022 at the Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba.

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Mozambique's 2-1 win over South Africa in the semifinals, had secured them their fourth participation in the tournament.

From the CECAFA region, Uganda and South Sudan successfully booked their places in the championship with semifinal victories in the CECAFA U-20 Championship which served as the CECAFA region’s qualifying competition for the under-20 African showcase.

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Full Groups

Group A: Egypt, Mozambique, Senegal, Nigeria

Group B: Uganda, Central Africa Republic, South Sudan, Congo

Group C: The Gambia, Tunisia, Benin, Zambia