Amajita’s first Afcon final since 1997
The South African u20 National Team, known as Amajita, is through to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), u20 Afcon final for the first time since 1997.
In a heavyweight match at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, in Egypt, on Thursday evening, Amajita defeated the record seven-time u20 Afcon champions Nigeria 1-0.
The Suez Canal Authority Stadium has proved to be a happy hunting venue for Amajita. They’ve won all the games they have played there, beating Tanzania 1-0, Sierra Leone 4-1, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
On Thursday, Amajita added another victory at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, despite facing challenging circumstances against the continent’s most decorated u20 team.
Tylon Smith, who plies his trade for Stellenbosch FC, has been outstanding in South Africa’s defence but, on this occasion, he made his most important contribution on the other end of the field by scoring the winning goal, with an assist from Neo Rapoo.
Rapoo whipped in an inviting cross, which Smith met with a powerful header, which he buried in the back of the goal. The strike was his first of the tournament and arguably the most important goal yet for the Amajita.
Despite Nigeria dominating the match, controlling possession while engineering several shots on goal, coach Raymond Mdaka‘s squad showed strong teamwork and resilience, characteristics that have been evident throughout the tournament.
Even though they have qualified for the u20 FIFA World Cup and have reached the final of the u20 Afcon, the journey is not yet complete, as famously stated by the late Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant in 2009, “Job’s not finished.” Amajita is aiming to go all the way.
South Africa has never before won the u20 Afcon title, finishing as the runner-up in 1997 and with a bronze medal in 2019 after defeating the Nigerians 5-3 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time. They, also, finished fourth in 2009 and 2017.
In the 1997 final, Amajita went down 0-1 to the host nation, Morocco. That team was coached by Shakes Mashaba and included Stanton Fredericks, Benni McCarthy, and Mathew Booth, all of whom went on to have distinguished careers in domestic and international football, and playing for Bafana Bafana.
Amajita’s coach Mdaka congratulated his team: “Yes, another win. Congratulations to the boys. What a good job! Good character, very disciplined, sticking to the agreements, tactical, technical. We truly appreciate it,” he said.
“As much it was not easy, our boys are growing in every match, growing in character and growing in everything. Thank you so much and well done boys and well done for the country.”
The u20 Afcon final takes place on Sunday and it mirrors the 1997 gold match, with South Africa taking on Morocco.
The Moroccans defeated Egypt 1-0 in a North African showdown to book their place in the title decider, thanks to a second-half goal from Jones El-Abdellaoui.
Egypt, playing on home soil, was outperformed by Morocco, who demonstrated superior skill throughout the match.
Semifinal Results
South Africa 1-0 Nigeria
Morocco 1-0 Egypt
Fixtures
Bronze Playoff
30 June Stadium
17:00 (SA Local Time) – Nigeria vs Egypt
Final
Cairo International Stadium
20:00 (SA Local Time) – South Africa vs Morocco
