TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Final: Morocco, South Africa prepare to meet in the final once more after 28-years

CAF

17-05-2025

A new chapter will be written in African youth football history this Sunday when South Africa's U20 men's national team face Morocco in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Amajita's Redemption Story
It's been 28 years since Amajita last reached the final of the continental youth showpiece – a heartbreaking 1997 defeat to none other than Morocco.
Now, led by head coach Raymond Mdaka, the class of 2025 has a chance to rewrite that script and etch their names into African football history.
Their road to the final has been anything but smooth. After opening their campaign with a narrow defeat to hosts Egypt, questions were raised.
But the group rallied, growing stronger with each outing. A crucial final grouo match draw with Zambia secured top spot in Group A, while commanding wins over Sierra Leone and DR Congo followed in the knockout rounds.
In the semi-finals, it was Tylon Smith's 66th-minute strike – expertly set up by the influential Neo Rapoo – that downed Nigeria 1-0 in Ismailia and booked South Africa's second-ever final berth.
Earlier in the quarter-finals, Thabang Mahlangu's extra-time goal had already ensured World Cup qualification for Chile 2025.
Mdaka has rotated wisely and kept his squad motivated throughout, even after key players like Siyabonga Mabena (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates) were ruled out pre-tournament.
His tactical nous and belief in youth have paid off handsomely, with goals shared across the squad and a rock-solid defensive line anchored by Teboho Pitso and captain Jody Ahshene.
Morocco's Relentless March
On the other side of the pitch, Morocco arrive with an equally compelling story. The Young Atlas Lions have not lost in open play in over 12 matches at this level and have built their campaign on structure, resilience, and timely goals.
After topping Group B unbeaten – including a 3-2 win over Kenya and a 3-1 triumph against Tunisia – Morocco edged past Sierra Leone in the quarter-finals via an own goal deep in extra time, before a disciplined 1-0 victory over hosts Egypt in the semi-final sealed their return to the final for the first time since 2005.
Their head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has been clear: 'The most important match has not yet been played.' The Moroccan boss praised South Africa's quality and insists his side must be at their very best to overcome a 'strong, organised and determined' opponent.
Striker Jones El Abdellaoui has emerged as a match-winner off the bench, while the likes of Ismaël Aouad and Ayman Safsafi have played key creative roles. Morocco boast the tournament's highest shot conversion rate and have not conceded a goal in their last three matches – a testament to their compact defensive unit.
Final On A Knife's Edge
While Morocco bring pedigree and tactical control, South Africa offer raw spirit, attacking flair, and the psychological motivation of avenging their 1997 loss.
Both nations have already achieved their initial goals of World Cup qualification – but there is no doubt that the continent's crown remains the ultimate prize.
Will Amajita finally lift the trophy that eluded them in the past, or will Morocco complete their 20-year journey back to the top? Africa waits.