Amajita left it late in extra-time to beat DRC 1-0 and book a semifinal spot at the U20 AFCON and also qualify for the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile.
There was an avalanche of chances from both sides and Amajita had goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe to thank for a low shot save with his left foot to keep the DRC from opening the score.
South Africa dominated with over 60% ball possession for majority of the first period, but nothing came of it as the sides found themselves locked at 0-0 at halftime.
Lowe was again called into action on the hour mark, making a crucial close range save to keep his side in the match.
Langelihle Phili missed a glorious chance to possibly win the match in the 83rd minute after being played in by Shakeel April, blasting his effort off the DRC defender for a corner.
In the 95th minute, Patrick Autata’s well-headed effort was kept out by the DRC keeper Tutu’s one-handed save.
Amajita did well to restrict the Congolese to shooting from range which failed to trouble Lowe in goals.
Daniel Tshilanda came very close to beating Lowe with a long-range shot from distance which missed the target by a whisker.
The breakthrough finally came in the 105th minute through Thabang Mahlangu after April skinned two DRC defenders before squaring the ball for the South African number 18 who slotted home from close range to make it 1-0.
Raymond Mdaka’s charges held on to seal a semi-final spot and seal passage to the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025.
They join Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt.
