Egypt secured a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Ghana to advance to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, following a gripping 2-2 draw after extra time at the New Suez Stadium.
The clash between two African youth football powerhouses extended late into the night, with Egypt overcoming a determined Ghana side that played the final stages with 10 players after Aaron Essel’s red card in the second period of extra time.
Egypt surged ahead in the first half with Momen Sherif scoring twice. His first goal, a powerful strike from the box’s center in the 19th minute, was followed by a composed finish in the 27th minute after Ghana’s defense faltered.
Ghana pulled one back just before halftime through Aziz Issah’s stunning left-footed shot from distance, keeping their hopes alive.
The second half saw tactical battles, with Egypt seemingly in control until a VAR-awarded penalty in the 90th minute for a foul on Joseph Opoku. Abdul Sulemana converted the spot-kick in the 90+11th minute, leveling the score and forcing extra time.
Despite Ghana’s numerical disadvantage after Essel’s dismissal in the 107th minute, both teams created chances in extra time. Egypt’s Omar Fathy and Amr Khaled went close, but the match proceeded to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Egypt’s Ahmed Abdin, Ahmed Kabaka, Seif El Deen Essam, Mohamed Raafat, and Abdallah Boustenji all scored, while Ghana’s Aziz Issah, Denis Marfo, Joseph Opoku, and Musibau Aziz converted, but Dacosta Antwi’s miss proved decisive.
Reaching their eighth semi-final, Egypt now stand two wins from a fifth title, bolstered by a resilient display despite their earlier poor goal difference. Ghana, reflecting on their 2013 final loss to Egypt, exit with heads held high after a valiant effort.
