- South Africa’s U20 team defeated Morocco 1-0 to clinch their maiden U20 AFCON title on Sunday, May 18, at Cairo’s June 30 Stadium.
- Gomolemo Kekana was the hero of the day, scoring the decisive goal for South Africa.
- Kekana’s wonder strike capped off a remarkable tournament for South Africa, who had not reached a U-20 AFCON final since 1997 – when they lost to Morocco.
South Africa secured their maiden Confederation of African Football (CAF) U20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy with a hard fought 1-0 triumph over Morocco in Sunday night’s final at Cairo’s June 30 Stadium.
A spectacular second-half strike from Gomolemo Kekana proved to be the match-winner, as the Southern Africans lifted the trophy and made history by defeating a North African opponent in the competition for the very first time.
The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Kekana unleashed a thunderous right-footed drive from outside the area, curling the ball into the top corner.
The goal, confirmed after a VAR review, finally broke the stalemate in a match characterized by tactical discipline and defensive solidity.
Kekana’s wonder strike capped off a remarkable tournament for South Africa, who had not reached a U20 AFCON final since 1997 – when they fell to Morocco.
This time, however, they rewrote the narrative, exacting revenge and becoming the 12th different nation to claim the continental youth title.
Morocco, the more enterprising side in the first half, created several chances through Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi.
However, South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe delivered another inspired performance between the posts.
After a sluggish start to the tournament, including an opening defeat to Egypt, South Africa grew in confidence and consistency.
Shakeel April and Mfundo Vilakazi had half-chances before halftime, but neither team managed to find the net in the first period.
Morocco came out with renewed vigor in the second half, with Othmane Maamma and Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal going close.
Yet, their finishing lacked precision, and South Africa’s aggressive pressing eventually bore fruit.
Following Kekana’s stunner, South Africa defended with steely resolve. Morocco pushed men forward in desperate pursuit of an equaliser, but the South African rearguard – marshalled by Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba – stood tall under pressure.
The triumph marked South Africa’s first-ever continental success at youth level, adding their name to a growing list of debut winners, following Senegal’s historic 2023 title.
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It also shattered their long-standing North African curse, ending a five-match losing streak against such opponents – all by single-goal margins.
Goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe finished the tournament with the most saves (24), a testament to South Africa’s defensive mettle.
Kekana’s goal was only their ninth of the campaign, but every strike was pivotal as they edged past DR Congo, Nigeria, and Morocco in tightly contested knockout rounds.
For Morocco, the defeat was a painful missed opportunity to claim a second title. Entering the final, they had gone 14 U-20 AFCON matches unbeaten in regular time. Sunday’s loss – their first of the tournament – was a bitter setback.
Road to the U20 AFCON final
Both finalists arrived unbeaten, boasting two of the competition’s most formidable defences.
Morocco, drawn in Group B alongside Kenya U20, Nigeria, and Tunisia, advanced with an impressive group stage record (2 wins, 1 draw).
They edged Sierra Leone 1-0 in the quarter-finals and overcame hosts Egypt by the same scoreline in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, South Africa navigated a challenging Group A featuring Egypt, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and Zambia.
They emerged with 2 wins, a draw and one defeat, then defeated DR Congo 1-0 in the quarters and stunned Nigeria with another 1-0 win in the semis.
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