Egypt's Ahmed Tawfik Hassan in a tussle with Manyoni Mbuso of South Africa

Egypt reached the semi-final of the Africa Youth Championship when beating hosts South Africa 1-0 on Saturday.

The result means the Young Pharaohs are through to the U-20 World Cup to be played in Colombia in July.

The north Africans scored on the stroke of half-time to seal the victory and finish second in Group A.

Mohamed Hamdy Zaky capitalised on a terrible defensive error by goalkeeper Hayden Williams to give Egypt the win.

The South African shot-stopper horribly sliced his clearance kick which allowed the striker to lob him for the winner.

Meanwhile, Mali topped the group after drawing 1-1 with Lesotho in the group's other game of the day.

Young Eagles midfielder Drissa Ballow opened in the scoring in the 17th minute but Christopher Boseka Mosiuda drew Lesotho level with eight minutes left.

Mali finished top of the group with seven points with Egypt taking second place with six points.

South Africa and Lesotho failed to advance after finishing third and fourth respectively.

Egypt will play the first-placed team from Group B in the semi final on Thursday while Mali take on Group B's second-placed side.

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