Players of Egypt pose for group photos before the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal match between Egypt and South Africa in Cairo, Egypt on Nov. 19, 2019. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
CAIRO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Hosts Egypt proved too strong for South Africa, defeating them 3-0 in the 2019 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal on Tuesday to reach the final and qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in style.
The Pharaohs scored three times after the break to secure their place at next year's Olympics, and set up a clash with Cote d'Ivoire in next Friday's final.
South Africa will face Ghana in the third place play-off earlier on Friday to compete for Africa's final place at the Olympics.
The first half was a story of few chances, as both sides entered the game on a highly cautious note. After some scarce opportunities, they went to the break at the Cairo International Stadium with no score.
But after the break, Egypt skipper Ramadan Sobhi broke the deadlock from the penalty spot at the hour mark, sending the 70,000 supporters into raptures.
Abdul Rahman Magdy scored a late brace to confirm Egypt's win and their place in the final.
In the other semifinal earlier in the day, Cote d'Ivoire needed a penalty shootout to defeat Ghana 3-2 after a 2-2 draw in after extra-time.
Goalkeeper Eliezer Tape was the hero, saving three of Ghana's kicks to send his side to next year's Olympics for only the second time in their history.
Cote d'Ivoire coach Souhailo Haidara said the game was tough, "but the main thing was done even if it's on penalties."
"We must not neglect the value of our opponents, Ghana, who had a great game," he was quoted as saying by CAF Online.
Ghana coach Ibrahim Tanko said that while his side missed out on penalties, both teams had given a beautiful image of African football.
"We still have a chance of Olympic qualification with the third-place playoff," he added.
