Latest news with #U20AfricaCupofNations
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Amajita conquer Africa! South Africa's youth continue to rise to continental glory
The SA U20 national men's team won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday after beating Morocco 1-0 in the final. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The investment that has been made in the growth of South African youth football paid off on the continental stage on Sunday, as the Under-20 men's national team won the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Amajita etched their names into the record books of continental football by winning their first-ever Africa youth championship. En route to the title on Sunday night, Amajita beat Morocco 1–0 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, courtesy of a second-half goal by Gomolemo Kekana. That win means Amajita will head to the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile in September as African champions, surpassing the class of 1997 who finished as runners-up. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ South African youth football has been on the rise recently, with the Under-17 men's national team – Amajimbos – also qualifying for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Qatar in late November. This upward trajectory comes as the PSL reserve league – the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) – celebrates 10 years of existence and success. The DDC has been a breeding and nurturing ground for some of the top exports the country has ever produced, including Bafana Bafana's talisman, Percy Tau. In his U20 Afcon squad, coach Raymond Mdaka included players who are either currently playing in the reserve league or have graduated from it. Kekana and Tylon Smith, who scored the title-winning goal and won the Player of the Tournament award respectively, are on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch reserve teams, respectively. Mfundo Vilakazi, Neo Rapoo and Kutlwano Letlhaku are notable DDC graduates now playing for their respective senior teams. Speaking at his post-match press conference after the final, Mdaka heaped praise on the impact of the DDC on South African football, addressing the media including SABC Sport. 'Back home, we used to have interviews and we said the number of players that we see are playing in the DDC,' Mdaka said. 'Most of them were promoted to their senior teams after our games in Mozambique, which says a lot about the youth – we seem to be getting there as a team. 'That's the foundation of the senior national team. The U17 national team has also qualified for the World Cup.' South Africa lift the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 trophy for the first time ever 🇿🇦🏆 — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 18, 2025 Mdaka noted that the DDC has made scouting easier for him and his technical team, as the league hosts festivals across the country that are often broadcast. 'So again, we need to put more focus on development because that's what can take our football somewhere,' Mdaka said. 'We need to salute our DDC because it made it easy for us to be able to see players every weekend, going to different (venues). The country is also big, so if it wasn't for the DDC, we wouldn't see them. It was easier to follow up through the DDC. So, we salute them and say they've done a good job.' Mdaka admitted that they had to be at their best to reach the final and win it, with all their knockout-stage victories coming by narrow margins, including the final. 🏅 𝕄𝔸ℕ 𝕆𝔽 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕄𝔸𝕋ℂℍ 🏅 Amajita goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe! 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 🇿🇦 1⃣➖0⃣ 🇲🇦 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐨 🚨 LIVE 🥇 Final 📺 SABC 2 📱 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 — SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) May 18, 2025 'We always stick to what we know best, and make sure that we don't concede. Mostly, if you don't concede in a tournament, chances are you get one goal and win the game,' he added. Amajita's ascension wasn't easy, as they lost their opening game to hosts Egypt before finishing top of Group A and defeating DRC, Nigeria and Morocco to win the crown. All three knockout stage wins came via 1–0 scorelines, and Mdaka has lauded his team's defensive prowess. Fletcher Smythe-Lowe kept four clean sheets and provided an assist for Kekana's goal in the final, and was duly crowned Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Speaking to CAF TV after being named Player of the Match following the final, Smythe-Lowe reflected on what the win meant for him. 'It means a lot to not only me but the team. This award goes to the rest of the team. With only me and without them, we'd be nowhere. Together we are stronger,' Smythe-Lowe said.
Morocco World
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Morocco Manager Reacts to AFCON Final Defeat
Morocco U20 head coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his side must take pride in their performance despite a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the final of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo. The Atlas Cubs were aiming for their second continental title at this level, but their dream fell short after Gomolemo Kekana scored the only goal of the match in the 70th minute at Cairo International Stadium after a defensive howler. Morocco enjoyed spells of dominance and created a number of chances, particularly in the second half, but were ultimately unable to find the back of the net. What did Ouahbi say after the match? Mohamed Ouahbi says his side must take pride in their performance despite the defeat Speaking after the AFCON final, Ouahbi described the loss as 'a scar' but stressed the importance of focusing on the positives. 'We're not returning to Morocco with the title, but we are returning with a strong group and promising young players,' he said. 'I'm a positive person. I look ahead, not behind.' He praised the players' commitment and urged fans to support the squad despite the disappointment. 'The Moroccan people should be proud of these players. They represented the country well, showed character and played with heart. It's normal to feel regret, and the players were emotional, but they gave everything.' Ouahbi refused to blame individuals for the result, instead pointing to a need for continued development and preparation ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile next September. 'We conceded from a mistake, which can happen in football. The players made a big effort. Now, we must recover and move forward.' 'Our ambition is to do better at the World Cup. We will work hard, remain united, and aim to represent Morocco in the best possible way.' Morocco, alongside South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria, have qualified for the U20 World Cup, which will be held from September 27 to October 19 in Chile. The Atlas Cubs' only previous U20 AFCON title came in 1997. Tags: afconEgyptMorocconigeriaSouth Africa
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mdaka lauds character as Amajita reach first Afcon final since 1997 by shooting down Nigeria Eagles
Amajita beat Nigeria Tylon Smith celebrates with teammates after scoring South Africa's winning goal during their CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix Raymond Mdaka's Amajita are one game away from continental glory after edging Nigeria 1-0 in the semi-finals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt on Thursday night. A powerful header from defender Tylon Smith sealed a hard-fought victory, earning South Africa their first final appearance since 1997. The moment came in the 66th minute when Neo Rapoo whipped in a dangerous delivery from a set piece, and Smith rose highest to thump his header into the back of the net. It was a textbook goal – perfectly timed, technically executed, and a reward for South Africa's growing discipline under Mdaka. 'Yes, another win, congratulations to the boys. What a good job, good character, very disciplined, sticking to the agreements, tactical, and technical. We really appreciate it,' said Mdaka after the match.
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
South Africa vs Nigeria: When, How to Watch U20 AFCON Semifinals
Rabat – Nigeria and South Africa will meet today in the semi-final match of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), racing for a spot in the final which will take place this upcoming Sunday. The match will take place at 4 p.m. Moroccan time, and fans can watch the decisive game on CAF TV, Startimes, and DSTV. Nigeria's head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, is confident in his squad. 'We're now relaxed after securing qualification for the World Cup,' Zubairu said in a pre-match conference, noting that the players can now focus fully on the U20 AFCON title. 'We've studied South Africa well. I watched their game against DR Congo. They're physical, well-organized and dangerous on the counter—but we believe we have what it takes to win,' he said. The winner of today's game will meet either Egypt or Morocco on Sunday. Morocco is playing against Egypt today at 7 p.m. Moroccan time. South Africa has also booked its place at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup. They secured three wins at the U20 AFCON tournament, with this being their fifth appearance in the semifinals – a feat they also reached in 1997, 2009, 2017, and 2019. Nigeria, meanwhile, marks its 17th appearance in the semi-finals this year. They previously reached the final of the tournament in several occasions, including in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1999, 2005, 2007, 2011, and 2015. Tags: 2023 AFCON2025 afcon
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Thabang Mahlangu's late strike sends Amajita to U20 AFCON semis, FIFA U20 World Cup
The South Africa U20 players celebrate their quarter-final victory over DR Congo at the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt. Image: Backpagepix Amajita booked their place in the semi-finals U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt with a thrilling 1-0 extra-time victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday night. The win also secured their participation in the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Substitute Thabang Mahlangu slotted home the winner in the 109th minute after the match ended goalless after 90 minutes of regulation play. The forward was in the right place at the right time to tap in from close range after a precise cross from Shakeel April, sending the young South Africans and their coaching staff into raptures. The match itself was a clash of styles, with the bigger boys from Congo looking to impose themselves physically against the smaller, but fleet-footed South Africans. Emotions all around !! And so it ended .... — (@SAFA_net) May 12, 2025 DR Congo's forwards Jules Ahoka and Samuel Ntanda posed a constant aerial threat, trying to outmuscle Amajita. But the South African players stood firm, relying on the speed and guile of Patrick Autata and Neo Rapoo to try and break the deadlock. Rapoo has a couple of great chances in space on the edge of the DR Congo penalty area, but he just couldn't find the target with his educated left foot. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ As the game progressed into the second half, the intensity escalated and the game got a bit heated and the referee became quite liberal in dishing out yellow cards to both teams. However, the introduction of Thabang Mahlangu would prove pivotal. With the match heading towards penalties, Mahlangu struck the decisive blow with a composed tap-in after a lovely ball from April. Yeeeeesss! We are going to the semi-finals of the U20 AFCON in Egypt, and we have qualified for the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile in September 2025!!! — (@SAFA_net) May 12, 2025 DR Congo's had a few late attempts to equalise, but the South Africa's defence, anchored by their goalkeeper Tylon Smith, held firm. As the whistle blew, Amajita celebrated their hard-fought victory, joining Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco in the semi-finals of the tournament. @JohnGoliath82
