South Africa’s Amajita wins first-ever U-20 AFCON title
South Africa’s U20 men’s national football team, known as Amajita has won the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final at Cairo International Stadium, Egypt.
The win marked South Africa’s first-ever U20 AFCON title, ending a 28-year wait since their runner-up finish in 1997 and making them the 12th nation to claim the prestigious youth championship. The decisive moment came in the second half when Gomolemo Kekana unleashed a stunning strike, breaking the deadlock and securing the victory for South Africa.
The goal was described as a moment of brilliance for Amajita, who had grown in confidence throughout the tournament despite an opening loss to host nation, Egypt. Goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe was instrumental, making 24 saves across the tournament, the most by any goalkeeper.
Drawn in Group A alongside Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania, Amajita faced an early setback with a 1-0 defeat to Egypt. However, they bounced back with a 1-0 win over Tanzania, a commanding 4-1 victory against Sierra Leone, and a 1-1 draw with Zambia to top their group.
In the knockout stages, they edged DR Congo 1-0 in extra time, upset seven-time champions Nigeria 1-0 in the semifinals, and outlasted Morocco in the final, avenging their 1997 loss to the same opponent. The final was a tightly contested affair, with both teams entering unbeaten in their last five matches and boasting some of the tournament’s stingiest defences.
Morocco, seeking their second U20 AFCON title, controlled much of the first half, creating chances through Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi. However, South Africa’s defensive resolve, led by Lowe and assisted by Neo Rapoo and Tylon Smith, held firm.
Coach Raymond Mdaka complimented his team’s character, saying, “The boys showed incredible discipline and heart. We grew with every match, and this victory is for South Africa.” Players like Thabang Mahlangu, who scored three goals, and Shakeel April, with two assists, were pivotal, while Kekana’s final performance earned him the Man of the Competition award. The team’s nine goals across six matches were scored by six different players, highlighting their collective strength.
For Morocco, the loss was a bitter blow, ending their 14-match unbeaten streak in open play at the U20 AFCON. Despite a strong campaign, including a 1-0 semifinal win over Egypt, the Young Atlas Lions fell short of replicating their 1997 triumph.
The victory secured South Africa’s qualification for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, alongside semifinalists Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt. It also marked a historic milestone for Southern African football, with South Africa becoming the second team from the region to win the title, after Zambia in 2017.
Written by Abeeb Lekan Sodiq.
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He’s as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
