South Africa’s U-20 Amajita Clinch Historic AFCON Title with 1–0 Victory Over Morocco

South Africa’s U-20 national team, Amajita, etched their name in the history books on Sunday, 18 May 2025, after a dramatic 1–0 victory over Morocco in the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Cairo, Egypt. This landmark win marks South Africa’s first-ever U-20 AFCON title, a moment of pride for the nation and a breakthrough for youth football development in the country.

Kekana’s Moment of Magic Seals Victory

In a tense and evenly balanced contest, the breakthrough came in the 70th minute. With Morocco piling on pressure in search of a goal, South Africa seized the moment on the counterattack. Amajita goalkeeper Fletcher Hani Smythe Lowe lofted a precise long pass over the Moroccan backline, picking out the pacey Thulani Kekana who composed himself and scored from range.

Kekana remained composed, steadied himself, and fired a clinical shot beyond the Moroccan goalkeeper into the top left corner of the net. The assistant referee’s flag immediately went up for offside, silencing the initial celebrations. But VAR intervened. After a tense review, the decision was overturned — Kekana had timed his run perfectly. The goal stood, and South Africa found themselves 1–0 up with twenty minutes remaining.

Raymond Mdaka Guides South Africa to Glory

The triumph is a crowning achievement for head coach Raymond Mdaka, who took charge in 2024 and has since transformed the team with a disciplined, tactical approach. Under his leadership, Amajita have blended defensive resilience with attacking flair — and their growth was evident throughout the tournament. Mdaka becomes the first South African coach to win a continental youth title, a historic milestone both for his career and for the national setup.

A Testament to Development and Teamwork

Amajita’s victory is more than just a trophy — it’s a celebration of the strength of South Africa’s football development systems. The team’s cohesion, maturity, and tactical intelligence were on full display throughout the competition. The performance of young talents like Kekana, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Smythe-Lowe suggests a promising future for South African football on the international stage.

Eyes Now on the World Stage

With their CAF AFCON win, Amajita have qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The team heads into the tournament with confidence, momentum, and a growing reputation. After their unforgettable night in Cairo, South Africa’s rising stars now turn their focus to taking on the world.

This victory is not just a result — it’s a signal of intent. Amajita have arrived.