South Africa etched their name into the history books on Sunday night, clinching their first-ever CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a gritty 1-0 win over Morocco in the final at Cairo International Stadium.
The breakthrough moment came in the 70th minute, when Gomolemo Kekana delivered a moment of magic. His thunderous right-footed strike from outside the penalty area bent beautifully into the top corner, leaving Morocco’s goalkeeper with no chance. After a brief VAR check, the goal stood — and proved to be the title-winning moment.
The tightly contested final was marked by tactical discipline and resolute defending from both sides, with chances few and far between. But Kekana’s brilliance provided the edge South Africa needed to overcome a traditionally strong North African side — a feat they had never managed before in the tournament.
This triumph marks a new chapter for South Africa’s youth football, coming nearly three decades after their last appearance in a U-20 AFCON final in 1997, when they lost to the very same opponents.
With this victory, South Africa not only lifted their maiden U-20 AFCON trophy but also secured a spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Joining them will be runners-up Morocco, bronze medalists Nigeria, and host nation Egypt — forming Africa’s contingent for the global stage in September.
