South Africa is through to the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final after beating continental rivals Nigeria 1-0 during their semi-final contest at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday night.
Thanks to the solitary goal from lanky defender Tylon Smith in the second half, which was his first goal in the competition, and what a way and time to do it, as it was enough to secure a spot in the final for the first time.
South Africa will either face Morocco or Egypt on Sunday, who will be in action in the second semi-final later in the evening.
Nigeria will feature in the 3rd and 4th place encounter on Sunday against the loser between Morocco and Egypt.
Going into the game, Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka made two changes from the team that faced DR Congo in the quarterfinal, which saw Kgomotso Madiba and Thabang Mahlangu handed their first starts of the competition.
The young South Africans started the game relatively slowly as Nigeria dominated play and posed threats in front of goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe’s goal throughout the first half.
Mdaka’s team talk at half time must have worked as his side came out looking better and comfortable in the second half.
In the 66th minute, Amajita would take the lead when defender Smith headed the ball inside the back of the net after substitute goalkeeper Ajia Yakub misjudged Neo Rapoo’s cross and was caught in no man’s land.
The Nigerians almost equalised at the death, but Lowe produced a magnificent save to stop Israel Ayuma’s header at close range and ensured that Amajita reach their historic Under-20 Afcon final.
Amajita have also booked their ticket to the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile by virtue of being in the semis, which will be their fifth appearance at the global finals.
