Table of Contents
- South Africa is the U20 AFCON 2025 winner
- They beat Morocco 1-0 in a thrilling match on Sunday night at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt
- The first half of the game gave no breather for the two finalists
South Africa is the U20 AFCON 2025 winner. This is the first major victory for the Under 20 squad, famously known as Amajita.
They beat Morocco 1-0 in a thrilling match on Sunday night at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. The level of play by the two finalists was a textbook case of perfection for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The youngsters brought their A-game, each team trying to fight for the top spot,t which eventually went to Amajita.
How South Africa Became the U20 AFCON 2025 Winner
The first half of the game gave no breather for the two finalists, although South Africa was constantly in the lead.
They were goalless but remained determined to the end, each trying by hook and crook to score.
Things heated up in the second half of the game after Gomolemo Kekana, the Amajita midfielder, scored for South Africa in the 70th minute.
The goal seemed off at first, but VAR confirmed that it was legit, pushing the U20 AFCON 2025 winner card closer for South Africa.
AFCON U-20. Photo/Foot Africa
Kekana’s goal gave the Morocco U20 squad, the Atlas Cubs, a big headache as they tried to equalise to no avail.
South Africa’s U20 coach Raymond Mdaka described the continental championship finals as ‘extremely difficult.’
He credited their victory to his team’s belief that they are champions even in tough matches.
“It was a difficult game and the boys knew it could be but they stick to what we believe and it won us the game and the tournament,” the coach said according to Citizen Digital.
The Atlas Cubs posed a big threat to Amajiita since the start of the U-20 continental championship in May in Egypt.
They made it to the finals unbeaten, but caved in for South Africa. Their defence was weak from the start to the end of the match, giving their opponents an easy time.
Morocco tried multiple times to score but couldn’t convert despite having many chances to do so. They appeared to be under intense pressure, which took away their composure and tact.
Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal and Fouad Zahouani failed to convert for the Atlas Cubs at critical moments when they had an opportunity to do so.
The Atlas Clubs were the U20 AFCON 2025 winner favourites after their unbeaten streak since the tournament started.
Who Was the Best Player in the U-20 AFCON 2025?
Tylon Smith from South Africa was crowned the best player of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 held in Egypt.
Smith, 19, played a crucial role in leading Amajita to their first-ever continental victory. The midfielder remained consistent in his game throughout the tournament.
He booked a place for his team in the U-20 AFCON 2025 finals after scoring a decisive goal in the semi-finals against Nigeria.
Amajita, the South African U20. Photo/ CAF Online
He dictated the team’s tempo, which helped Amajita win their first continental victory. Amajita goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe was also named the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper.
Lowe posted the highest number of saves – 24, throughout the tournament. He denied Morocco victory, giving South Africa a slim lead in the second half of the finals.
On the other hand, Momoh Kamara from Sierra Leone won the U-20 AFCON 2025 Top Scorer award.
Which U-20 Teams Will Play in 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup?
Besides South Africa – the U20 AFCON 2025 winner – Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt will participate in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Under-20 FIFA World Cup will be held in Chile from September 27 to October 19.
