South Africa’s U-20 men’s national team, known as Amajita, made history on Sunday night by winning the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title. The team beat Morocco 1-0 in a tightly contested final held at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
South Africa U-20 become new Afcon champions
The winning goal came in the 70th minute from Gomolemo Kekana. He struck a powerful shot from outside the penalty box, bending the ball into the top corner of the net. The goal was initially checked using VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and was confirmed. It was a dramatic moment that secured Amajita their first-ever U-20 continental championship.
This victory is especially meaningful because it also marks the first time South Africa has beaten a North African team at this level. Until now, South Africa had lost all five previous matches against North African sides in U-20 Afcon history—each by just one goal.
The match was intense and filled with tactical discipline. Both teams showed strong defensive skills, but South Africa’s determination and Kekana’s brilliant strike made the difference.
Fletcher Lowe, Amajita’s goalkeeper, played a crucial role throughout the tournament and finished with the most saves—24 in total—showcasing the team’s solid defence.
How Amajita achieved Afcon glory
South Africa’s journey to the top was far from easy. The team started the tournament with a 1-0 loss to host nation Egypt on 27 April. However, they bounced back with a 1-0 win over Tanzania, followed by a 4-1 victory against Sierra Leone, and a 1-1 draw with Zambia. These results saw Amajita finish top of their group.
In the quarter-finals, they faced the Democratic Republic of Congo. After a goalless 90 minutes, Thabang Mahlangu scored in extra time to secure a 1-0 win and a place in the semi-finals—also earning South Africa a spot at the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The semi-final match against Nigeria followed a similar pattern. Tylon Smith’s second-half header gave Amajita a 1-0 win and a ticket to the final.
Coach Raymond Mdaka, who has been in charge for about a year, guided the team with strong tactics and focus. Under his leadership, the team scored a total of nine goals in the tournament and showed resilience, especially in tight matches.
Amajita’s Afcon win ends a 28-year wait since their last final appearance in 1997—also against Morocco, who won that time. This year, South Africa turned the tables, becoming the 12th different country to win the U-20 Afcon title.
Morocco came into the final unbeaten in their last 14 Afcon U-20 matches in open play. Their loss on Sunday was their first defeat of the tournament, and it ends their campaign just short of a second title.
South Africa’s win is not only a proud moment for the country but also a message that the future of local football is in strong hands.
