South Africa’s U-20 national football team curved their name in history by winning their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title with a gritty 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final at Cairo’s June 30 Stadium on Sunday night. A moment of brilliance from Gomolemo Kekana, who unleashed a stunning right-footed strike from outside the box in the 70th minute, proved decisive. The goal, confirmed after a VAR review, bent into the top corner, breaking the deadlock in a tense, tactically disciplined match and securing South Africa’s maiden youth continental trophy.
Both teams entered the final unbeaten, showcasing some of the tournament’s best defensive records. Morocco, with their fluid attacking style, created early chances through Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi, but South Africa’s goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe, who led the tournament with 30 saves, was impenetrable. South Africa, having rebounded from an opening loss to Egypt, showed patience and resilience. Shakeel April and Mfundo Vilakazi had half-chances, but the first half ended goalless. In the second half, Morocco pushed forward with efforts from Othmane Maamma and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, but their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly.
Kekana’s wonder goal shifted the momentum, and South Africa’s high-pressing strategy paid off. The backline, anchored by Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba, held firm as Morocco threw men forward in search of an equalizer. This victory marked a historic milestone, ending South Africa’s run of five single-goal defeats against North African teams in the tournament and avenging their 1997 final loss to Morocco. It also made them the 12th nation to claim the U-20 AFCON title, following Senegal’s 2023 breakthrough.
South Africa’s campaign was defined by grit, scoring only nine goals but securing crucial knockout wins over DR Congo, Nigeria, and now Morocco. For Morocco, the loss was a bitter blow. Unbeaten in 14 U-20 AFCON matches in open play before the final, their failure to convert chances halted their quest for a second title.
This triumph signals a bright future for South African football, with stars like Kekana, Lowe, and Vilakazi likely to draw attention from scouts. For fans, it’s a moment to celebrate—a historic win that broke a North African jinx and brought continental glory home. Stay tuned for more African football updates and join the conversation on X for the latest sports highlights.