South Africa clinched their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Morocco in Sunday night’s final at Cairo’s June 30 Stadium.
A spectacular second-half strike from Gomolemo Kekana secured the historic victory, as South Africa defeated North African opposition for the first time in the competition’s history. Kekana’s decisive goal, struck from outside the box in the 70th minute, curled into the top corner and was awarded after a VAR review.
The tightly contested final was marked by tactical discipline and solid defensive organisation from both teams. South Africa’s win also avenged their 1997 loss to Morocco in the tournament’s final and saw them become the 12th nation to lift the U-20 AFCON trophy.
Entering the final unbeaten, both teams boasted some of the best defensive records in the tournament. Morocco looked more fluid in the first half and created promising chances through Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi, but South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe stood firm, continuing his stellar form.
South Africa, who had recovered impressively after losing their opening match to Egypt, displayed resilience and growing confidence. Shakeel April and Mfundo Vilakazi had half chances before the break, but the score remained goalless at halftime.
Morocco came out stronger in the second half, with Othmane Maamma and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal threatening. However, they failed to capitalise on their opportunities, and South Africa’s pressing game finally paid off with Kekana’s wonder strike.
Following the goal, South Africa showed great defensive resolve, absorbing pressure from Morocco, who pushed forward desperately in search of an equaliser. The South African defence, marshalled by Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba, remained impenetrable.
The triumph marked South Africa’s first continental youth title and ended a long-standing losing streak against North African teams, having lost their previous five encounters by narrow margins.
Goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe finished the tournament with the most saves (24), highlighting South Africa’s defensive strength. Kekana’s goal was their ninth of the campaign, each proving vital in edging past DR Congo, Nigeria, and now Morocco in the knockout stages.
For Morocco, the defeat ended a 14-match unbeaten run in open play at the U-20 AFCON and denied them a second title. Despite strong performances throughout the tournament, their wait for another crown continues.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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