South Africa’s U20 national team, Amajita, defeated the Flying Eagles of Nigeria 1-0 on Thursday night at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, to book a place in the final of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Stellenbosch FC defender Tylon Smith scored the decisive goal in the 66th minute, converting a pass from left-footer Neo Rapoo. The victory sent South Africa into their second-ever AFCON U20 final, their first since 1997, when they lost 1-0 to Morocco.
The result continued Amajita’s perfect run at the Suez Canal Stadium, where they have now won all four of their matches—beating Tanzania (1-0), Sierra Leone (4-1), DR Congo (1-0), and now Nigeria. Their only two losses in the tournament came at the 30 June Stadium.
Nigeria dominated the first half but failed to convert their chances. The turning point came early in the second half when 15-year-old goalkeeper, the youngest player in the tournament according to CAF, was forced off with an injury and replaced by Soliu Yakub.
Despite a strong showing—20 shots to South Africa’s 6, 54% possession, and more passes completed—Nigeria could not find the back of the net. They also committed more fouls (25 to 12) and picked up two yellow cards to South Africa’s one.
The loss echoes a 2019 defeat in Niger Republic, where South Africa edged Nigeria 5-3 on penalties in the third-place match after a goalless draw.
Amajita will now face Morocco in the final on Saturday, May 18, at Cairo International Stadium. Nigeria will battle Egypt for third place earlier the same day.
All four semifinalists have qualified to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
Image Credit: Dagashotz
0 Comments