Congratulations continue to pour in for South Africa’s U20 team, after they were crowned U20 AFCON 2025 Champions following they’re 1-0 win over Morocco in Cairo, Egypt.
This was the team’s first appearance in the final, after nearly 30 years when they lost to Morocco.
The solitary goal was scored by Gomolemo Kekana in the 70th minute, who unleashed a powerful right-footed effort from outside the box, bending the ball into the top corner.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, however the referee awarded it after consulting with VAR to ensure that the team claims its maiden continental title.
The win capped Amajita’s outstanding performance at the tournament, which saw them qualify for the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile later this year.
Amajita’s coach, Raymond Mdaka, praised the team for its performance and discipline.
“Well done to the boys.
They’ve done themselves good, but we will always want to thank everybody, the players, the technical team.
Starting from the first games in the group stages, you can even see the margins of the results, it’s 1-0, 1-0 score lines,
But thank God we were able to go through the whole journey until we came to the final, and we ended up winning the final.
But it was a difficult game, honestly, as much as we told the boys to say it’s not going to be an easy game, they also saw it themselves, but we always stick to what we can do best and ensure that we don’t concede,” said Mdaka.
The brilliant Fletcher Lowe walked away with Goalkeeper of the Tournament after keeping four clean sheets, and 24 saves, while Tylon Smith earned the prestigious title of Best Player of the Tournament.
Government also congratulated the team’s win.
“What a way to wake up Amajita are CHAMPIONS of the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025! You made the nation proud, boys! Siyabonga!
Former Bafana Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane, echoed government’s comments.
“SA U-20, conquering Africa.
Again, it is not the first time we are experiencing all these. We’re the Champs of Africa. What a period in our life that SA are experiencing all these good achievements,” commented @TheRealPitso.
The football association, @SAFA_net, also sent a congratulatory message for the team, “We are the champions!
@SportArtsCultur commented “Halala Halala Halala! A huge congratulations to our CHAMPIONS for winning the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations! What an unforgettable achievement. Mzansi is bursting with pride!
The victorious team is expected to arrive at the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park on Tuesday.
