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South Africa’s Amajita booked their place in the final of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Nigeria’s Flying Eagles.
The result sends the Flying Eagles, seven-time champions, into Sunday’s third-place playoff as they miss out on a shot at an eighth continental title.
Despite dominating possession and attacking with high intensity, Nigeria failed to make their superiority count in front of the goal.
The Flying Eagles created numerous chances but were wasteful in the final third, lacking the clinical edge needed at this stage of the competition.
Forward Kparobo Arierhi was at the centre of several missed opportunities. He failed to connect with Clinton Jephta’s cross in the 22nd minute, then missed a golden chance from six yards out just eight minutes later. In the 37th minute, Arierhi sent another effort over the bar, and two minutes later saw his shot was deflected wide after turning his marker.
South Africa weathered the storm and stayed composed under pressure. They had their scare when Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt flapped at an inswinger in the 33rd minute, only for captain Daniel Bameyi to clear the danger.
The breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Yakub misjudged a cross, and South African defender Tylon Smith rose highest to nod the ball into the net.
Nigeria pushed for an equaliser, with substitutes Mendos Rickson and Auwal Ibrahim going close, but the Amajita held firm to secure a famous win and reach the final.
The Flying Eagles will now face the loser of the second semi-final between hosts Egypt and Morocco in the bronze medal match on Sunday.
