South Africa claimed their first-ever CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Morocco in Sunday night’s final at Cairo International Stadium.
A stunning second-half strike from Gomolemo Kekana proved the difference, as the Southern Africans made history by defeating North African opposition in the tournament for the first time.
The breakthrough came in the 70th minute when Kekana unleashed a powerful right-footed effort from outside the area, curling the ball into the top corner. The goal, confirmed after a VAR review, settled a tightly contested encounter characterised by tactical discipline and solid defending.
Kekana’s goal crowned a remarkable tournament for South Africa, who had never reached the U-20 AFCON final since 1997, when they lost to Morocco. This time, they reversed that outcome, becoming the 12th nation to win the title.
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Both teams came into the final unbeaten, boasting some of the best defensive records in the competition. Morocco looked the sharper side in the first half, creating better chances through Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi, but South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe produced a string of fine saves to keep them at bay.
South Africa, who had grown in confidence after losing their opening match to Egypt, displayed grit and composure. Shakeel April and Mfundo Vilakazi had half-chances, but the first half ended goalless.
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Morocco pressed hard after the interval, with Othmane Maamma and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal going close. However, their profligacy in front of goal proved costly.
South Africa’s pressing game eventually paid off. Kekana’s moment of brilliance gave them the lead, and from then on, they defended resolutely. Morocco pushed men forward in search of an equaliser, but Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba marshalled the South African defence superbly.
The win marked South Africa’s first continental youth triumph and added them to the list of recent first-time winners, following Senegal’s success in 2023. It also ended their long-standing struggle against North African sides, having previously lost five times to such opponents by single-goal margins.
Goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe finished the tournament with the most saves (24), underscoring South Africa’s defensive solidity. Kekana’s goal was only their ninth of the tournament, but each one proved decisive as they edged past DR Congo, Nigeria, and Morocco in the knockout rounds.
For Morocco, the loss was a bitter blow. They entered the final unbeaten in 14 U-20 AFCON matches in open play and were aiming for their second title. Despite their strong performances, the wait for a second championship continues.
