South Africa clinched their maiden CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on Sunday night, defeating Morocco 1-0 in a tense final at the Cairo International Stadium.
A spectacular second-half strike from Gomolemo Kekana proved to be the match-winner, sealing a historic victory for the Southern Africans and ending Morocco’s 14-match unbeaten run in U-20 AFCON open play.
The triumph marks South Africa’s first-ever U-20 AFCON championship and their first victory over a North African opponent in the tournament’s history. Previously, their closest attempt came in 1997, when they lost the final to the same Moroccan side.
This time, the young Bafana Bafana turned the tables, avenging the decades-old defeat to lift the trophy and become the 12th different country to win the U-20 continental title.
Both teams entered the final unbeaten, boasting the tournament’s most resolute defences. South Africa’s breakthrough came after a closely contested first half, with Kekana’s goal sparking wild celebrations on the touchline and among fans back home.
For Morocco, the defeat marks a bitter end to an otherwise impressive campaign. Despite being tipped as favourites, the Atlas Cubs fell just short of adding a second U-20 AFCON title to their record.
CAF officials praised the quality and discipline of both teams, describing the final as a fitting climax to what has been one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in recent years.
