After a fierce 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final on Sunday night at Cairo International Stadium, South Africa won their first-ever TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations championship.
It was a sweet revenge on Sunday evening in Egypt for South Africa who found themselves in the repeat of the 1997 AFCON final, where Morocco narrowly beat the South African lads 1-0 in the final.
None of the players who rewrote history on Sunday were born yet when the two nations faced off against each other 28 years ago.
By defeating a North African opponent in the competition for the first time, the Southern Africans rewrote history and won the title thanks to a spectacular goal from Gomolemo Kekana in the second half.
In the 70th minute, Kekana scored the game’s lone goal with a strong right-footed shot from outside the box that bent the ball into the top corner.
The goal, which was given following a VAR review, ended the tie in a fierce match that was controlled by defensive organisation and tactical discipline.
South Africa, who had not advanced to a U-20 AFCON final since losing to Morocco in 1997, had an incredible tournament that culminated with Kekana’s goal.
They turned the tables this time, taking revenge for the loss to raise the trophy and become the 12th different country to win the title.
With some of the greatest defensive records in the tournament, both teams went into the final undefeated.
Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi gave Morocco, the more flowing team in the first half, greater chances, but South African custodian Fletcher Lowe was once again playing brilliantly.
After losing to Egypt in their opening match, South Africa, who had developed into the competition, demonstrated patience and tenacity.
Mfundo Vilakazi and Shakeel April each had half-time chances, however neither team was able to score before halftime.
Morocco pushed forward in the first half, with Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal and Othmane Maamma coming close.
However, South Africa’s aggressive pressing eventually paid off because the North Africans were inefficient in front of goal.
Following Kekana’s incredible goal, South Africa reacted to the pressure with admirable poise.
South Africa’s backline, led by Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba, remained firm as Morocco sent players forward in an attempt to equalise.
After Senegal’s 2023 victory, South Africa’s win is their first-ever young continental victory and they join an increasing number of recent debut champions.
Additionally, it ended their curse against North African opponents, as they had lost five straight games by a single goal.
South Africa’s defensive tenacity was demonstrated by Fletcher Lowe, who finished the tournament with the most saves (24).
Even though Kekana’s goal was just their ninth of the season, they defeated Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and now Morocco in the knockout stages thanks to every goal.
The loss represents a lost chance for Morocco to claim a second championship.
They had won 14 U-20 AFCON games in open play going into the final, so Sunday’s setback, which was also their first of the tournament, was a devastating blow.
Their quest for a second title remains unfulfilled despite their outstanding efforts during the competition.
