South Africa secured a crucial 1-0 win over Tanzania in a U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match played at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Wednesday evening.

After losing their Group A opener to Egypt on Sunday, Amajita needed to get back on track and duly claimed the victory thanks to a first-half goal from Shakeel April.

The teams traded half-scoring chances through the first quarter of the match, though South Africa looked the more fluid and controlled outfit.

And Amajita were rewarded for their attacking pressure in the 28th minute, as Faiz Abrahams played a superb pass to put Shakeel April in on goal, and the Cape Town City provided a crisp right-footed finish to make it 1-0.

Tanzania had a great chance to level the game in injury time before the interval, but Shekhani Khamis headed over from close range after great work by Cyprian Kachwele down the right flank.

The East African side kept up a more attacking approach in the second half, with Khamis seeing a header saved by goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe, while substitute Said Naushaud drove a long-range shot just wide soon after coming on at the hour mark.

Tanzania also had a penalty overturned on VAR midway through the second half: Bakari Msimu was cleanly challenged by Sifiso Timba, but the referee pointed to the spot. Fortunately the television officials intervened and the penalty was scratched off.

South Africa ‘keeper Lowe made a couple of key saves in the dying minutes to keep Amajita on top, as Tanzania threw everything but the kitchen sink at their opponents, only to be denied.

South Africa will return to Group A action on Tuesday 6 May with a match against Sierra Leone in Ismailia.

South Africa U-20 (1) 1 (April 28’)

Tanzania U-20 0

SA: Smythe-Lowe, Timba, Smith, Nkwali, Rapoo, Maku, Kekana (Autata 90+7’), April, Abrahams (Vilakazi 64’), Phili (Letlhaku 64’), Ah Shene (Mahlangu 64’)

Tanzania: Mpank, Kibeku, Lawi, Mligo (Ally 60’), Lidah (Kiswanya 60’), Nindi, Khamis (Naushad 60’), Pipino (Mandeke 79’), Mashaka (Sichone 60’), Kachwele, Msimu