South Africa secured their place in the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria in a tense semi-final at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday.
The winning goal came in the 66th minute when Tylon Smith rose to meet a corner from Neo Rapoo, delivering a towering header that marked his first goal of the tournament. This crucial strike proved decisive in a fiercely contested match between two of Africa’s most successful youth teams.
The result ends Nigeria’s bid for a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title. The Flying Eagles have now fallen at the semi-final stage for the third consecutive tournament, following losses to Gambia in 2023 and Mali in 2019.
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances—especially in the second half—Nigeria were repeatedly denied by South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe. In the closing minutes, Lowe made a series of stunning saves to repel efforts from Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma, preserving South Africa’s slim lead amid intense pressure.
The game started cautiously, with both sides probing but failing to create clear-cut opportunities. Early shots from Nigeria’s Tahir Maigana and South Africa’s Kutlwano Letlhaku were comfortably saved, and the first half ended scoreless.
After the break, Nigeria intensified their attack, introducing Rickson Mendos and Bidemi Amole in the 65th minute. Their fresh impetus created a surge of chances, with Ayuma coming closest to equalizing via a diving header that Lowe spectacularly kept out.
South Africa maintained impressive discipline and composure throughout the match, remaining unbeaten at the Suez Canal Stadium. Their victory sends the Amajita to their second-ever U-20 AFCON final, their first appearance since finishing runners-up in 1997.
Having already secured qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, South Africa now aims to capture their maiden continental title.
