South Africa’s U-20 team, the Amajita, secured a place in the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria in a tense semi-final clash at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday, .
A decisive 66th-minute header from Tylon Smith, his first of the tournament, proved to be the match-winner.
The forward rose highest to nod in Neo Rapoo’s well-delivered corner, sending the Amajita into their first final since 1997.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of claiming a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title.
It also marked the Flying Eagles’ third consecutive semi-final exit, having crashed out at the same stage to Gambia in 2023 and Mali in 2019.
Though Nigeria enjoyed better possession and created several chances, particularly in the second half, they were repeatedly denied by South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe.
The shot-stopper produced a series of outstanding saves in the closing moments to frustrate Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma, ensuring his side’s slender lead remained intact.
The match began cautiously, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. Early efforts from Nigeria’s Tahir Maigana and South Africa’s Kutlwano Letlhaku failed to trouble either goalkeeper as the first half ended goalless.
After the break, Nigeria looked the brighter of the two sides and made attacking changes in the 65th minute, introducing Rickson Mendos and Bidemi Amole.
The substitutions sparked a flurry of opportunities for the Flying Eagles, with Ayuma’s diving header being the closest attempt, only for Lowe to make a stunning save.
South Africa displayed impressive defensive resilience and composure to withstand Nigeria’s late pressure, closing out the match to remain unbeaten at the Suez Canal Stadium.
The win secured their second-ever appearance in a U-20 AFCON final, with the team already booking their ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Amajita will now chase their first continental crown when they step out for Sunday’s final.
