Neighbors South Africa and Zambia settled for a barren draw as they opened their Group B campaign of the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2019 at the Cairo based Al Salam Stadium on Saturday evening.
It was a historical game as for the first time in the history of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, a female referee officiated a game in the tournament. Rwanda’s Salma Mukasanga was the match referee assisted by Fathia Jermoumi from Morocco. It was the second time in CAF history that a female referee leads a men’s match after the 2019 U-17 Afcon.
First action of the game came after 20 minutes when Zambia’s Lameck Banda’s shot was denied by Darren Johnson between the posts for South Africa. Three minutes later his opposite number Bunjani Banda was up to Mhlatsi’s goal-bound shot.
After the break both sides had their chances but couldn’t threaten each other’s goals as the game ended in a barren draw.
Cote d’Ivoire leads the Group B pack with 3 points, compared to Zambia and South Africa’s one each. Nigeria follow in that order pointless.
Watch highlights:
Highlights: 👇
South Africa and Zambia share the points in a tense affair. 🇿🇦🇿🇲#TotalAFCONU23
— CAF (@CAF_Online) November 9, 2019
Total Man of the Match: Kamohelo Mahlatsi (South Africa)
What they said
David Notoane (Coach, South Africa)
It was a good game. Both sides know each other well and that affected the game. I salute Zambia on their good performance. Everything is still open in the group. Today’s referee is a qualified one and I think she did a great job. I believe this is a fantastic decision from Caf and we have to promote and support such an initiative.
Beston Chambeshi (Coach, Zambia)
It was an entertaining match but difficult for both sides. We missed some of our abroad based players but we cannot complain about that. Hopefully, we will be better for the next games. Having a female referee is a good initiative and it needs all our support. Today’s referee had a good game and this is good for football.
©Cafonline.com
