South Africa and Morocco Book Final Spots in U-20 AFCON

South Africa and Morocco secured their places in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 after dramatic semifinal victories on Thursday night.

In Suez, a fiercely contested encounter between South Africa and Nigeria ended 1-0 in favor of the Amajita. Both sides struggled to find the breakthrough in a physical, tactical first half, but the deadlock was finally broken in the 66th minute. Tylon Smith met a pinpoint cross from Nhlanhla Rapoo and guided his header past the Nigerian goalkeeper, delivering the decisive moment of the match. The result denied Nigeria the opportunity to equal Egypt’s record of seven U-20 AFCON titles and propelled South Africa into their first final since 1997.

Later in the evening at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium, Morocco eliminated tournament hosts Egypt in front of a passionate home crowd. The Atlas Lion Cubs displayed more intent and energy throughout the contest, while Egypt appeared hesitant and struggled for fluency. The match-winning goal came in the 78th minute, when Jones El-Abdellaoui latched onto an Ismael Aouad cross from the right flank and rifled a shot into the roof of the net. Egypt responded with late pressure, pushing numbers forward in search of an equalizer, but Morocco’s disciplined defense held firm to seal the victory.

The two wins have set up an exciting final showdown at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday at 18:00 GMT, a rematch of the 1997 African Youth Championship final, when Morocco claimed their only U-20 continental title. Earlier the same day, Egypt and Nigeria will face off for the third-place playoff at 15:00 GMT at the 30 June Stadium.

It promises to be a dramatic conclusion to a tournament that has delivered surprises, emerging stars, and moments of brilliance. With history on the line, both South Africa and Morocco will now look to etch their names into African football folklore.

Final Fixtures Set for Sunday in Cairo

The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 U-20 AFCON:

• 🏆 Final:
  South Africa U20 vs Morocco U20
  Sunday, 18:00 GMT — Cairo International Stadium

• ⚽ Third Place Playoff:
  Egypt U20 vs Nigeria U20
  Sunday, 15:00 GMT — 30 June Stadium