South Africa Crowned U-20 AFCON Champions After Historic Win Over Morocco

South Africa clinched their first-ever CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1-0 victory over Morocco in a tightly contested final at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday night. The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Gomolemo Kekana fired a sensational long-range strike into the top corner, a goal confirmed after a VAR review. It was a breakthrough against a North African side that South Africa had never previously beaten in the tournament’s history.

The match was a showcase of tactical discipline and defensive resilience, with both teams entering the final unbeaten and boasting formidable records at the back. Morocco had the better chances in the opening half, particularly through Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi, but South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe stood firm with a string of crucial saves.

South Africa, who had grown stronger as the tournament progressed following an opening loss to hosts Egypt, showed remarkable composure and tactical awareness. Shakeel April and Mfundo Vilakazi threatened occasionally, but the first half ended goalless.

After the break, Morocco increased their attacking tempo, with Othmane Maamma and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal going close. However, their inability to convert chances proved costly. South Africa’s relentless pressing eventually paid off when Kekana’s strike gave them the lead. From that point on, South Africa defended with discipline, absorbing waves of Moroccan pressure. Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba led a resolute backline that refused to concede.

The victory not only secured South Africa’s maiden U-20 AFCON title but also marked the end of a long-standing North African hoodoo. It was a fitting revenge for their 1997 final defeat to Morocco and made South Africa the 12th different nation to win the competition.

Fletcher Lowe, who finished the tournament with the highest number of saves (24), embodied South Africa’s defensive strength, while Kekana’s goal was their ninth of the campaign — each of them vital in knockout victories over DR Congo, Nigeria, and now Morocco.

For Morocco, the loss was a painful end to a strong campaign. Unbeaten in 14 U-20 AFCON matches in open play before the final, they were aiming for a second title but fell short at the final hurdle. Their wait for a second continental crown continues.