South Africa Crowned 2025 U20 AFCON Champions After Historic Win Over Morocco
South Africa’s U20 national team, Amajita, made history on Sunday night by winning their first-ever U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after edging Morocco 1-0 in a tense final at Cairo International Stadium. Thulani Kekana’s second-half strike, confirmed after a VAR check, sealed a famous victory for Raymond Mdaka’s resilient side.
This final was a rematch 28 years in the making. The two nations last met in the 1997 U20 final, where Morocco triumphed 1-0. That generation included South African legends like Benni McCarthy, who missed that final due to suspension. But in 2025, it was a new chapter as Amajita completed a historic run to claim continental glory.
From Early Setbacks to Ultimate Glory
South Africa’s tournament began with a 1-0 defeat to hosts Egypt, but the performance showed glimpses of the team’s potential. Wins over Tanzania and Sierra Leone followed, before a draw with Zambia sealed their place atop the group. Knockout victories over DR Congo and Nigeria then propelled them into the final.
Morocco’s path was just as impressive, with group wins over Kenya and Tunisia, a draw against Nigeria, and knockout triumphs over Sierra Leone and Egypt. It set the stage for a final filled with promise and pressure.
Grit, Saves, and a Goal Worthy of a Trophy
The match was a tactical and physical battle from the outset. South Africa came close in the third minute when Jody Ah Shene pounced on a loose ball, but Morocco’s keeper Yanis Benchaouch came up with a crucial save. On the other end, Amajita’s goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe delivered a string of heroic stops, denying Ilias Boumassaoudi and Mouad Dahak in key moments of the first half.
Despite several half-chances, the teams went into halftime level at 0-0. Morocco looked dangerous early in the second half, but Amajita’s defence, led by standout Tylon Smith, held firm.
Thulani Kekana Etches His Name in South African Football History
The game’s defining moment arrived in the 70th minute. With Morocco pressing high, Smythe-Lowe delivered a long ball that found Shandre Campbell in stride. The Cape Town City winger surged forward and squared it to Thulani Kekana, who slotted home a composed finish. The assistant raised the flag for offside, but after a tense VAR review, the goal stood. Amajita led 1-0 with twenty minutes to play.
Morocco pushed hard for an equaliser, nearly scoring in the 83rd minute through Othmane Maamma, but he failed to convert with the goal gaping. South Africa could have sealed it late on, but Shakeel April was denied by Benchaouch.
Final Whistle Brings First U20 Continental Title for South Africa
Despite the late pressure, South Africa held firm to seal a 1-0 victory and lift the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the first time in their history. Goalkeeper Smythe-Lowe and defenders Tylon Smith and Gomolemo Kekana were instrumental throughout the tournament and especially in the final.
Earlier, Nigeria secured the bronze medal after beating Egypt in a dramatic penalty shootout (5-4) following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
This title represents a breakthrough for South African youth football, offering hope for a brighter future at senior level.
