South Africa’s U-20 national team, affectionately known as Amajita, made history on Sunday night by claiming their maiden TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Morocco in the final at Cairo International Stadium.
The winning goal came in the 70th minute when midfielder G. Kekana converted a well-timed assist from goalkeeper F. Lowe. The composed finish was enough to secure victory, capping off a remarkable campaign for the South Africans.
A road to glory
Amajita’s journey to the title was marked by determination and grit. After topping their group with two wins and a draw, they overcame Nigeria 1–0 in the semi-finals—Tylon Smith’s decisive strike proving the difference.
The final against Morocco was a rematch of the 1997 U-20 AFCON decider—one South Africa narrowly lost. This time, Amajita turned the tables, showing maturity and tactical discipline to see off their opponents and bring the trophy home for the first time.
A moment to remember
“This is a proud moment for South African football,” said head coach Hugo Broos. “The boys have shown incredible character throughout the tournament. They deserve this.”
The nation celebrated the historic win, with praise pouring in from sports legends, government leaders, and fans across the country.
A bright future ahead
This victory not only brings a long-awaited trophy to South African youth football but also sets the stage for a promising future. With a new generation of talented players coming through, there is renewed hope for sustained success at higher levels.
Amajita’s triumph in Cairo will be remembered for years to come—a turning point in South African football history.
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