17.05.2025
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Amajita to play in AFCON Cup final on Sunday after lengthy dry stint

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  • Amajita to play against Morrocco in the AFCON 2025 CUP final.

4 minutes

Amajita’s long wait to reach another Africa Cup of Nations final is finally over. The South African under-20 national team reached their second final in 28 years, after narrowly beating bitter rivals Nigeria 1-0 in the semi-finals of the AFCON in Ismaila, Egypt, last night.

Nigeria came into the semi-final against South Africa as overwhelming favourites. The Flying Eagles have won the Africa Cup of Nations tournament seven times in the past, with their last victory coming in 2015.

The more experienced Nigeria finished as runners-up twice and lost in the semi-finals on two occasions.

On the other hand, South Africa have never won the tournament but only finished as runners up once back in 1997.

Amajita have played at seven U20 AFCON tournaments and featured in their fifth semi-final on Thursday.

Nigeria had Amajita under a lot of pressure in the opening twenty minutes. They kept on probing as they searched for an opening goal.

South Africa’s first goal attempt came after thirty-three minutes.


The Flying Eagles were unlucky not to take the lead on the stroke of half-time, and it was goalless at the break. Nigeria were in complete control until they conceded a corner kick midway through the second half.

Amajita defender Tylon Smith came from nowhere to put South Africa in the lead.

The West Africans pushed forward for an equaliser, but South Africa’s 18-year-old keeper Fletcher Lowe was in an uncompromising mood, making a brilliant save nine minutes from time.

Fletcher kept Amajita in the game with another excellent save two minutes before the end of regulation time.

South Africa was under siege in the closing stages but managed to hold on to reach their second-ever AFCON final.

Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka is thrilled with his team’s achievement.

“Yes, another win, congratulations to the boys, what a good job, good character. Very disciplined, sticking to the agreements, tactical, and technical. We really appreciate much, as it was not easy for our boys. I think they are growing in each and every match. Growing in character and in everything. Thank you so much. Well done, boys, and well done for the country!”

South Africa will be one of the four African teams to represent the continent at the FIFA under-20 World Cup in Chile, from the 27th of September to the 19th of October.

Amajita becomes the second South African side to qualify for the World Cup this year.

South Africa’s national U17 football team, Amajimbos, have also qualified for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be held in Qatar later this year.

Amajita will now face Morocco in this year’s final on Sunday.

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