Redemption for Amajita: South Africa Clinches First U20 AFCON Trophy

South Africa’s U20 national team made history on Sunday night by securing their first-ever CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations title, beating Morocco 1-0 in a tense final in Cairo. The hard-fought victory marked a major milestone for Amajita, who had never lifted the continental trophy at this level before, Cape {town} Etc reports.

Playing under pressure at the Cairo International Stadium, Raymond Mdaka’s side finally ended a 28-year drought since their last U20 final appearance — when they narrowly lost to the same Moroccan team in 1997. This time, the young South Africans turned the tables with a gritty, composed performance that captured the imagination of a football-hungry nation.

Both teams arrived at the final unbeaten in the knockouts, with South Africa having rebounded strongly from an early group-stage defeat to Egypt. They powered past Tanzania and Sierra Leone, then advanced through tough knockout ties against DR Congo and Nigeria.

Morocco also impressed on their path to the final, defeating Kenya and Tunisia and sharing points with Nigeria before edging past Sierra Leone and Egypt in dramatic fashion.

The final was a tactical battle defined by strong defensive displays and standout goalkeeping. Amajita shot-stopper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe was in top form, denying Morocco with several brilliant saves — including a fingertip stop from Mouad Dahak and a confident aerial claim against Jones El Abdellaoui.

The decisive moment came in the 70th minute. Smythe-Lowe launched a long clearance that sent Shandre Campbell flying down the flank. Campbell squared the ball to Thulani Kekana, who calmly slotted it home. Though initially flagged offside, a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision, sparking celebrations on the South African bench.

Morocco fought back hard in the final 20 minutes. Othmane Maamma missed a clear chance in the 83rd minute, while Amajita’s Shakeel April and Thabang Mahlangu both nearly doubled the lead on the counter.

South Africa’s young squad remained composed under pressure, seeing out the game with tactical discipline and emotional maturity. As the final whistle blew, they celebrated a long-awaited breakthrough — not just a title, but a symbol of national redemption in youth football.

Coach Mdaka and his team were praised for their years of dedication in developing the new generation of South African stars, who now promise a bright future for the national game.

In the third-place playoff, Nigeria defeated hosts Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, wrapping up an exciting tournament filled with standout moments and rising talent.

Amajita’s triumph has sent a clear message across the continent — South Africa’s next football generation has arrived, and they’re here to win.

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Sourced:Cape Town ETC

Picture: CAF Online