South Africa’s Amajita have reached the final of the U20 AFCON for the first time since 1997, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in their semi-final clash at the Suez Canal stadium
The Flying Eagles reached their 17th AFCON semi-final after an unbeaten group stage campaign that included a win over Tunisia and draws against Morocco and Kenya, followed by a hard-fought quarter-final triumph over defending champions Senegal.
On the other hand, South Africa’s Amajita began their campaign with a loss to hosts Egypt but bounced back with wins over Tanzania and Sierra Leone, along with a draw against Zambia in the group stage. They went on to beat DR Congo in the quarter-finals to secure a spot in their fifth AFCON semi-final.
The Flying Eagles made a bright start, dominating possession in the early stages, but were unable to create any clear-cut chances. Despite their control, Nigeria found it difficult to break down a disciplined South African defense as the tempo of the game gradually slowed.
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Flying Eagles striker Kparobo Arierhi had an opportunity to score the first goal but dragged his effort wide from a tight angle. Not long after, Nigeria squandered another opportunity before South Africa capitalised, delivering a threatening ball that led to confusion in the Nigerian defense, as Daniel Bameyi and Ebenezer Harcourt collided and gave away a corner.
Nigeria continued to press as Arierhi came close again, stinging the palms of South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe after a clever pass from Clinton Jephta. The Flying Eagles pushed forward in search of a breakthrough, but it remained goalless at the break.
Nigeria’s 15-year-old goalkeeper, Ebenezer Harcourt was substituted five minutes into the second half as a result of his first-half collision with captain Daniel Bameyi. Divine Oliseh also made way, with Precious Benjamin coming on as his replacement.
Few minutes later, South Africa took the lead against the run of play, capitalising on an error by substitute goalkeeper Ajia Yakub, who failed to claim the ball after coming off his line. Amajita defender Tylon Smith made no mistake, finishing off a superb cross from Neo Rapoo to open the scoring and put South Africa 1-0 ahead.
Despite their determined attempts to level the scoreline, the Flying Eagles couldn’t find a way past South Africa’s solid defense, with goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe making key saves to help his team secure a place in the final.
The defeat marks Nigeria’s third consecutive AFCON semi-final loss, following earlier exits to Gambia in 2023 and Mali in 2019. On the other hand, South Africa have reached the final for the first time since 1997, when they overcame Ghana in the semi-finals.
South Africa will now await the outcome of the second semi-final between Morocco and hosts Egypt later today, as they set their sights on claiming a maiden U20 AFCON title. Meanwhile, Nigeria will take on the loser of that tie in the third-place match scheduled for 18 May, just hours before the final.
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