AMAJITA’S ROAD TO THE U20 AFCON FINAL
18 May 2025 – Many would’ve now forgotten that South Africa’s U20 team, Amajita, started on a losing note in the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Such has been Amajita’s fantastic run in the tournament that the bad start is a distant memory. The boys’ tenacious approach has seen them go from losing 1-0 to hosts Egypt to reaching the final against Morocco, scheduled for Sunday, 18 May, at 30 June Stadium (8 PM SA time).
Amajita’s road to the final has certainly not been a walk in the park. Every game has seen Coach Raymond Mdaka’s charges put up a great fight to elevate the country’s flag. Before the final against Morocco, www.safa.net has gone back to how it all started in the tournament, starting with the group matches that were all played at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, a city in northeastern Egypt.
Here’s Amajita’s road to the final…
GROUP STAGE
Egypt 1-0 South Africa
On 27 April — Freedom Day in South Africa — Amajita were in action against the hosting country, Egypt. The tightly contested match was settled in the 62nd minute when Egypt broke the deadlock. Amajita had its fair share of chances but couldn’t find the equalizer.
South Africa 1-0 Tanzania
After the setback in the AFCON opener, Amajita made amends, beating Tanzania on 30 April. Shakeel April’s 28th-minute goal was the difference on the day, and the three points brought with it positive vibes in camp.
Sierra Leone 1-4 South Africa
Buoyed by the result against the Tanzanians, Amajita returned to the field and, in emphatic fashion, thumped Sierra Leone. Thabang Mahlangu’s brace, plus goals from Neo Rapoo and Jody Ah Shene, ensured Amajita were too good for a Sierra Leone side that had shocked Egypt 4-1 in their last match before facing Amajita.
South Africa 1-1 Zambia
The last match of the group came against neighbours Zambia. Amajita took an early lead through Kutlwano Letlhaku just eight minutes into the clash. Amajita’s joy was short-lived when Zambia drew level four minutes later. The draw, however, was enough to see Amajita finish top of the group with two wins, one draw, and a defeat in four matches.
QUARTER-FINALS
South Africa 1-0 DR Congo
The last-eight clash came against the Democratic Republic of Congo, also in Ismailia, and with the AFCON semi-finalists also guaranteed a spot in the FIFA U20 World Cup, there was a lot at stake in this match. Ultimately, there was nothing to separate the two sides inside 90 minutes, and extra time was needed to separate the two sides. In the second half of extra time, Amajita got their noses in front courtesy of substitute Thabang Mahlangu’s goal, and the all-important strike was enough to book Amajita’s spot in the AFCON semi-finals and the FIFA World Cup.
SEMI-FINALS
South Africa 1-0 Nigeria
On 15 May, the match against the West Africans played out in similar fashion to the quarter-finals, with a solitary goal deciding the tie at the Suez Canal Stadium. Tylon Smith’s header in the second half was the breakthrough needed to secure a passage to the final. With the win over Nigeria, Amajita’s fighting spirit has come to the fore, and now for the last hurdle in the form of Morocco. Interestingly, the last time Amajita reached the final in 1997, they faced Morocco, who were the hosts, and the latter won the tournament.
THE MAN BEHIND AMAJITA
Coach Raymond Mdaka has impressed. He’s been in charge for about a year since taking over last year. The 52-year-old’s tactical acumen has seen Amajita score seven goals in six outings, with a win ratio of 66.6%.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan wished the team well ahead of the final.
Information sourced from SAFA NETWORK
