History beckons for Amajita with Under-20 Afcon title up for grabs against Morocco

IOL News

17-05-2025

Thabang Mahlangu Thabang Mahlangu (No 18, centre) celebrates scoring the winner for Amajita against DR Congo. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
South Africa's national under-20 team will face Morocco in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations final at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday at 8pm, with the chance to lift the trophy for the first time.
This will be the second meeting between the two nations in a final after Morocco edged South Africa 1-0 in 1997.
That remains the only U20 Afcon title Morocco have ever won, while Amajita have yet to lift the crown – making this an opportunity 28 years in the making.
The road to the final has been challenging after losing their opening match of the tournament, but the response has been gutsy under the guidance of head coach Raymond Mdaka.
His young squad reached the decider after edging out fierce rivals Nigeria 1-0 in a tense semi-final clash in Ismailia on Thursday.
That result confirmed their growth and determination, with Amajita showing composure and maturity against a Nigerian side many tipped for the title.
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South Africa's youth team have now appeared in seven editions of the U20 Afcon, reaching five semi-finals but only two finals.
In 1997, they settled for silver, and on Sunday, they will hope to go one better.
Morocco come into this match boasting a solid defensive record.
They have not conceded a goal in the knockout rounds, and will rely on a confident backline that has held firm throughout the tournament.
Their tactical discipline and ability to capitalise on limited chances make them a dangerous opponent in a final.
For Amajita, this is a golden opportunity for redemption.
Their run to the final has included tough moments, but the character shown by Mdaka's men – especially against Nigeria – suggests they are peaking at the right time.
And with continental pride on the line, the technical team will urge their players to believe they can change history.
This fixture is not only about the title – it's also about global representation.
South Africa are already one of four nations from the continent who will play in the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile later this year, from September 27 to October 19.
It's another major milestone, with the Amajita becoming the second SA national team to qualify for a junior World Cup in 2025.
Earlier this year, the Under-17 side, Amajimbos, also booked their ticket to the Fifa Under-17 World Cup, which will take place in Qatar.
For coach Mdaka, the final represents a reward for months of hard work and rebuilding at youth level.
And for the players, many of whom are still relatively unknown in local football, Sunday's final is a chance to make their names resonate far beyond the borders of South Africa.
The last time a South African men's team lifted a senior CAF trophy was in 1996.
A year later, the Under-20s came close. In 2025, Amajita have the chance to finally finish what that generation started.