U20 AFCON 2025: Nigeria Crash Out
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria crashed out of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), losing 1-0 to rivals the Amajita of South Africa in the semi-finals on Thursday, at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
The match began cautiously, with both sides probing without creating clear-cut chances. Nigeria’s Tahir Maigana and South Africa’s Kutlwano Letlhaku both had early efforts saved in a first half that ended goalless despite Nigeria’s superior attacking numbers.
The breakthrough came just after the hour mark. Neo Rapoo whipped in a corner from the right and Tylon Smith rose highest to power home a header into the centre of the goal in the 66th minute. It was his first of the tournament and arguably the most important yet for the Amajita.
Nigeria responded with urgency, making double substitutions in the 65th minute to inject pace and fresh energy into the attack. Rickson Mendos and Bidemi Amole nearly made instant impacts, with both going close in a series of intense late assaults on the South African goal.
However, South Africa’s resolute defending and composed midfield play saw them through, stretching their unbeaten run at the Suez Canal Stadium to four games. The win saw South Africa reach their second U-20 AFCON final, their first since 1997 when they finished as runners-up.
The result ended Nigeria’s hopes of winning a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title. It also marked a third consecutive semi-final defeat in the tournament for the Flying Eagles, having previously fallen to Gambia (2023) and Mali (2019).
South Africa’s run to the final has been built on solid defence and efficiency in front of goal. Thursday’s win also means they will head into the final with momentum, having now gone five matches unbeaten — their longest such streak in U-20 AFCON history.
With qualification to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup already secured, the Amajita will now turn their attention to winning their first continental title.
