South Africa’s national under-20 soccer team, Amajita, has charted an inspiring path to the final of the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking their first appearance in the tournament’s final since 1997. Under the guidance of coach Raymond Mdaka, the team has demonstrated resilience and determination, overcoming early challenges to secure a spot in the championship match against Morocco.
Group Stage Challenges and Triumphs
Amajita’s campaign began on a challenging note with a narrow 1-0 defeat to hosts Egypt on April 27. Undeterred, the team rebounded with a 1-0 victory over Tanzania, courtesy of Shakeel April’s decisive goal. Building on this momentum, they delivered a commanding 4-1 win against Sierra Leone, with Thabang Mahlangu contributing a brace. A subsequent 1-1 draw with Zambia ensured Amajita topped Group A, showcasing their growth and adaptability throughout the group stages.
Knockout Stage: Narrow Victories and Steadfast Defense
In the quarter-finals, Amajita faced the Democratic Republic of Congo in a tightly contested match that extended into extra time. Mahlangu emerged as the hero once again, scoring the lone goal that propelled South Africa into the semi-finals and secured their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
The semi-final against Nigeria proved to be another test of Amajita’s mettle. A well-placed header by Tylon Smith in the 66th minute sealed a 1-0 victory, ending Nigeria’s hopes of an eighth U20 AFCON title and highlighting South Africa’s defensive prowess and strategic discipline.
A Historic Final Awaits
The upcoming final against Morocco is steeped in history, as it mirrors the 1997 championship match where Morocco edged out South Africa 1-0. This rematch offers Amajita an opportunity to avenge their past defeat and claim their first U20 AFCON title. The final is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at the Cairo International Stadium, with kickoff at 8 PM South African time.
Coach Mdaka’s leadership has been instrumental in Amajita’s success, with the team exhibiting a blend of youthful energy and tactical acumen. As they prepare for the final showdown, the nation rallies behind them, hopeful that this generation will etch their names into South African football history.
