Egypt missed out on the chance to book a place in the U-20 World Cup with one game to spare after suffering a surprise 1-0 loss to the 10-man Mali team in the African Youth Championship.
Konate Amara notched the winner six minutes past the hour mark as Egypt failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
The result leaves Mali assured of a World Cup spot as they top the group on six points, three ahead of Egypt and hosts, South Africa.
Watch Mali’s goal in Egypt
[youtube]N0tIPutGoEU[/youtube]
Egypt needs to at least draw in their last game against South Africa to book a last-four berth in the African Youth Championship and reach the World Cup finals, which will take place in Colombia later this year.
Mali had Kalifa Coulibaly dismissed after 10 minutes for catching an Egypt defender in the stomach in a reckless lunge.
Despite having an extra man on the pitch, Egypt, who looked toothless throughout the game, barely threatened Mali in the first half.
Egypt’s most electrifying opportunity fell to the mercy of Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Ibrahim, who dribbled past two defenders just before the break, but fired over the bar.
The Pharaohs were punished when Amara found the net with a superb curling free kick that went past the hapless keeper Ahmed El-Shennawi.
Egypt piled on pressure in the latter stages but failed to secure a share of spoils.
