South Africa clinch historic first U-20 AFCON Title with victory over Morocco

South Africa’s U-20 national team made history on Sunday night, lifting their first-ever CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy after edging Morocco 1-0 in a tightly contested final at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.

The breakthrough came in the 70th minute when Gomolemo Kekana unleashed a brilliant long-range strike into the top corner, a goal confirmed after a VAR review. It marked a landmark moment for the Amajita, not only securing the title but also sealing their first victory over a North African side in the competition’s history.

Both teams entered the final unbeaten, boasting impressive defensive records. Morocco started brighter, creating several early chances through Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi, but South Africa’s goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe stood firm with a series of crucial saves.

As the game wore on, South Africa’s discipline and patience paid off. Kekana’s wonder strike gave them the edge, and despite Morocco’s relentless push for an equalizer, the defensive pairing of Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba kept their lines intact.

The win is a major milestone for South African football, coming 28 years after their last appearance in a U-20 AFCON final in 1997. It also ended a run of five consecutive defeats against North African opposition in the tournament.

For Morocco, it was a disappointing end to a remarkable 14-game unbeaten streak in open play at the U-20 AFCON, with their long wait for a second continental crown continuing.