Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia won the 2022 Arab Cup U-20 after defeating Egypt 5-3 on penalties in the final at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Stadium in Abha.

The match had ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The win means the young Green Falcons retain the trophy they won last year when they beat Algeria 2-1 in the final at 30 June Stadium in Cairo. With two tournament wins, the Saudis now hold the record for most titles after five editions of the competition.

The first half looked to be heading toward a stalemate before Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa scored in the 45th minute to give Saudi Arabia the lead.

Egypt struck back only four minutes into the second half through Salah Basha, but there would be no further addition to the score as the match ended 1-1 and headed into extra time. However, the extra 30 minutes produced no goals and the final went to penalties.

After the first three penalties had been converted, Egypt missed their second spot-kick. It would prove decisive as the next five were all scored to give Saudi Arabia a 5-3 shootout win and the 2022 Arab Cup U-20 title.

For the hosts, the win capped a glorious tournament that had kicked off on July 20.

Saudi Arabia topped Group A ahead of Mauritania and the UAE to reach the quarter-finals, where they defeated Yemen 3-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

In the semis, the Saudis comprehensively beat Palestine 5-0 to set up the showdown with Egypt, who beat Algeria 3-1 in an all-African last-four clash.

Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Radif finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.