South Africa wins its first U-20 AFCON championship After defeating Morocco

After a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final on Sunday night at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, South Africa was crowned champions for the first time in the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Gomolemo Kekana scored a spectacular goal in the second half to seal the win and create a momentous occasion for South African football. Additionally, it was their first victory over a North African team in the history of the competition.

 

Kekana scored the game-winning goal in the 70th minute with a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box that curled into the top corner. After a quick VAR review, the goal stood, igniting an otherwise intense and tactically close match.

 

With both teams going into the final undefeated and with some of the greatest defensive records in the league, the game was a demonstration of strategic patience and meticulous defending.

 

Early on, Morocco dominated the play, posing a threat with Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi, but South African custodian Fletcher Lowe held them at bay with yet another strong showing.

 

After losing their first game to the hosts, Egypt, South Africa made a remarkable comeback and steadily improved throughout the encounter. Mfundo Vilakazi and Shakeel April each got half-chances, but neither team was able to make progress before the half.

 

In the second half, Othmane Maamma and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal came near as Morocco increased their attacking vigour. They were disappointed by their finishing, though, and South Africa’s persistent pressure finally made it happen.

 

Defenders Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba anchored a rock-solid backline as South Africa calmly absorbed Morocco’s late onslaught after Kekana’s incredible goal.

 

This victory not only makes South Africa the 12th country to win the U-20 AFCON title, but it also exacts revenge for their 1997 final loss to Morocco.

 

Following Senegal’s first victory in 2023, it represents a significant turning point in the nation’s young football history and carries on the tradition of emerging African football champions.

 

Additionally, it ended their curse against North African opponents, as they had lost five straight games by a single goal.

 

South Africa’s defensive tenacity was demonstrated by Fletcher Lowe, who finished the tournament with the most saves (30).

 

Even though Kekana’s goal was just their ninth of the season, they defeated Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and now Morocco in the knockout stages thanks to every goal.

 

The loss represents a lost chance for Morocco to claim a second championship. They had won 14 U-20 AFCON games in open play going into the final, so Sunday’s setback, which was also their first of the tournament, was a devastating blow.

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