For years, South Africa’s Male U-20 team had chased continental glory, only to fall short time and again.
But on Sunday night at the Cairo International Stadium, the wait, the heartbreaks, and the near-misses all came to a glorious end. The Amajitas penned their names into African football history, lifting their maiden CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title with a stunning 1-0 victory over Morocco.
It wasn’t just a win. It was redemption.
A thunderous 70th-minute strike from Gomolemo Kekana sealed the dream that generations of South African youngsters had fought for. Picking up the ball outside the box, Kekana looked up, unleashed a curling right-footed shot, and watched it soar into the top corner. Time seemed to freeze as Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Benrahmoune dived helplessly. VAR confirmed what the whole of South Africa already knew.
When the final whistle blew, the Cairo night erupted with scenes of raw emotion. Players collapsed to the turf in tears. Coaches embraced like brothers. The bench emptied as the young South Africans celebrated a victory that meant far more than silverware.
It had been 28 long years since South Africa last reached the U-20 AFCON final , a painful 1997 defeat to Morocco that lingered in the nation’s football memory. This time, they rewrote the story. They came full circle, beating the very same opponent to claim the crown and become the 12th nation ever to win the continental title at this level.
South Africa’s Goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe stood as an unbreakable wall throughout the tournament, making record-breaking 24 saves,none more vital than in the final, where his calmness kept Morocco at bay. Defenders Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba fought like warriors, throwing bodies in front of every shot, every cross, every desperate Moroccan attack.
In the first half, Morocco looked dominant, with El Abdellaoui and Boumassaoudi threatening early on. But Lowe’s brilliance kept South Africa alive, his gloves turning away chance after chance. Then came the turning point. Kekana’s rocket. From that moment, it was all about heart. Every clearance, every tackle, every block was greeted like a goal.
And when the referee blew the final whistle, the tears flowed freely. From Johannesburg to Cape Town, from Soweto to Polokwane, South Africans celebrated a long-awaited dream realized their first ever U-20 AFCON title.
PHOTO CREDIT: Kennedy Ugbodaga