South Africa’s U-20 team, the Amajita, have defeated Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 1-0 to book a place in the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025.
The semi-final clash, held on Thursday at the Suez Canal Stadium, saw South African forward Tylon Smith score the winning goal in the 66th minute with a powerful header from a Neo Rapoo corner.
This victory sends South Africa to their first U-20 AFCON final since 1997 and ends Nigeria’s quest for an eighth title. The Flying Eagles have now been eliminated in the semi-finals for three consecutive tournaments — losing to Gambia in 2023 and Mali in 2019.
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Nigeria failed to find the back of the net. South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe was outstanding, making several key saves to deny Nigeria’s Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma.
After a quiet first half, Nigeria made attacking substitutions in the second half, which sparked more chances. Ayuma came closest with a diving header, but Lowe pulled off a brilliant stop.
South Africa’s strong defence held firm until the final whistle, securing the Amajita’s place in Sunday’s final and a spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The Flying Eagles will now have to regroup and look ahead to future tournaments after another painful semi-final exit.
