Michael oti Adjei BBC Sport, Cotonou

Egypt made a winning start against Angola

Egypt launched the defence of their African under-20 title with a 1-0 win over Angola in a Group B match in Cotonou on Sunday.

Captain Hossam Nasr scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after Joaquim Nzamba had brought down Mohammed Abdellah in the box.

The Egyptians then sat back and put up a solid defensive wall as the Angolans streamed forward in search of an equaliser.

Angola's best chance came in the 65th minute when Pauline Miguel shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The result leaves Egypt in second place in the group behind Morocco who beat Lesotho 2-0 in the other game.

The Southern Africans thrilled the sparse crowd at the Friendship stadium in Cotounou with their crisp passing and brilliant ball control but the 1997 champions were more effective in front of goal.

After a goalless first half and with Lesotho looking the more likely team to score, the North Africans drew first blood with a brilliant 63rd-minute strike from Rachid Tiberkrane.

The goal took the sting out of Lesotho and when Tarik Bendamou made it 2-0 with a superb lob from the edge of the 18-yard box 10 minutes from time, the die was truly cast.

Lesotho coach Sephephe Matete blamed inexperience for his side's defeat.

"My boys were a little bit nervous which is normal for debutants.