South Africa’s U-20 national team, the Amajita, have secured a historic berth in the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 following a narrow 1-0 triumph over Nigeria in a tense semi-final encounter held on Thursday at the Suez Canal Stadium.
The breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Tylon Smith netted his maiden goal of the tournament with a powerful header off a pinpoint corner from Neo Rapoo. Smith’s decisive strike ended South Africa’s 28-year wait to return to a continental final, marking their first appearance since 1997.
For Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, the result was a painful repeat of recent history. The six-time champions were aiming for a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title but instead suffered their third straight semi-final exit—having also been eliminated at the same stage by Gambia in 2023 and Mali in 2019.
Despite dominating possession and creating more goal-scoring opportunities, particularly in the latter stages, Nigeria were repeatedly thwarted by South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe, whose outstanding saves kept the score line intact. His crucial interventions, especially in the closing minutes, denied Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma potential equalisers.
The match began cautiously, with both teams struggling to generate clear-cut chances in the opening half. Attempts from Nigeria’s Tahir Maigana and South Africa’s Kutlwano Letlhaku failed to test either goalkeeper, and the first half ended goalless.
Nigeria came out with renewed energy after the break, pushing aggressively in search of a goal. The introduction of Rickson Mendos and Bidemi Amole in the 65th minute added pace and urgency to the Flying Eagles’ attack. One of the game’s best chances came shortly after, when Ayuma’s diving header was spectacularly saved by Lowe.
South Africa, however, stood firm under pressure. Their defensive organization and discipline saw them withstand Nigeria’s late offensive push, preserving their slender advantage until the final whistle. The Amajita maintained their unbeaten run at the Suez Canal Stadium and advanced to only their second-ever U-20 AFCON final.
With this win, South Africa not only claimed a spot in Sunday’s final but also confirmed their qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.
They will now set their sights on lifting their first-ever U-20 continental title, capping off what has already been a remarkable tournament campaign.