Overview
- Anthony Bermont put France ahead in the 25th minute before South Africa equalized from a VAR-awarded penalty converted by Jody Ah Shene.
- Lucas Michal scored the winner in the 81st minute after sustained French pressure.
- Mayssam Benama was credited with the decisive pass to Michal, adding impact on his tournament bow.
- France are without several top U20 players retained by clubs, including Désiré Doué and Warren Zaïre-Emery.
- Next up is the United States on Thursday at 22:00 in France, with the Americans coming off a 9-1 win over New Caledonia.