South Africa U20 have secured their place in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations final after a 1-0 win over Nigeria U20 at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday evening.
In an evenly fought encounter where Nigeria looked to be more likely to take the lead, Raymond Mdaka’s side showed incredible resilience and bided their time before opening the scoring after the hour mark.
The opening 45 minutes, perhaps was fair to be goalless, with Amajita defending well and looking to find something on transitions against a more physically imposing Young Eagles side.
But it was the record seven-time champions were had a lapse of concentration with Tylon Smith heading home the opener into an open net with substitute goalkeeper Ajia Soliu Yakub mistiming the delivery from Neo Rapoo from a corner.
It seemingly hit the wind out of the Nigerian side and South Africa took control and could have added to their lead, but it was enough to secure a place in the final where they will face Morocco U20 or hosts Egypt U20 – who they opened the tournament against.
It’s South Africa’s first time in the final since the formation of the current format and not since 1997, where it was called the African Youth Championship, when they lost 1-0 to Morocco.
