A last-gasp strike by Aldo Paniagua gave ten-man Paraguay a deserved 2-1 victory over U-20 World Cup hosts Egypt on Monday. Substitute defender Paniagua stunned over 50,000 spectators at Cairo Stadium with the last kick of the game, almost sending Paraguay to the next round. In the first-half, Federico Santander gave the visitors an unexpected lead, but Afroto put Egypt back on level terms before half time. Egypt are now third in Group A with three points as Paraguay and Italy share top spot with four points apiece. Egypt tactician Miroslav Soukup made two changes to the side that beat Trinidad& Tobago, both alterations in the backline. Defense duo Moaz Al-Hennawi and Saad Samir replaced Ahmed Hegazi and Salah Soliman. Red Card and Two Goals Egypt started brightly with Afroto being at the center of everything with his magical left-foot. The Ahli starlet sent a pinpoint cross into Hossam Arafat's head after just nine minutes, but the latter failed to hit the target. Arafat's header was followed by ambitious efforts from Ahmed Magdi and Shehab Ahmed, before Paraguay hit the home side on the counter on 27 minutes. Magdi was dispossessed in midfield as Robin Ramirez darted through Egypt's half before brilliantly setting up Santander, who finished off a superb team move in style with the outside of his foot.
Afroto's goal not enough Four minutes later, Afroto sent Arafat through on goal with an incisive pass, but the Zamalek forward once again missed awkwardly. In the 36th minute, Egypt's pressure paid off as Paraguay were dealt a double blow, losing a man and conceding a goal. Mohamed Talaat robbed sweeper Ronald Huth and the latter completed his gaffe by bringing down the Egypt forward, only for referee Ivan Bebek to send off the Paraguay defender. The on-fire Afroto converted home the resulting freekick with dexterity to salvage a vital first-half draw for Egypt. Dull Affair and Late Stunner Paraguay goalkeeper Joel Silva was forced out of the game after being injured in a challenge with an opponent; Gerardo Ortiz came in. Surprisingly, Paraguay showed no signs of being a man down after the break as they dictated the opening minutes of the second-half. Despite gradually controlling possession, Egypt failed to pose any genuine threat on Ortiz's goal, with Afroto's contribution declining significantly. However, the diminutive playmaker remained Egypt's top performer and produced the best chance of the half in the 79th minute when his powerful drive hit the side netting. Paraguay managed to frustrate their disjointed opposition and looked set to claim a precious point, but they even managed to snatch the win in the third minute of stoppage time. Defender Cesar Benitez won a key header inside Egypt's box to set up an unmarked Paniagua, who smashed in a point-blank volley past Ali Lotfi.
