South Africa secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Nigeria on Thursday to reach the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025.
A 66th-minute header from Tylon Smith, his first goal of the tournament, proved decisive in the tense semi-final at the Suez Canal Stadium.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance in possession and chances, South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe delivered a heroic performance to deny late efforts from Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma.
The result ended Nigeria’s hopes of an eighth U-20 title, marking their third consecutive semi-final exit. South Africa, unbeaten at the venue, will contest their second-ever final — their first since 1997 — as they aim to lift their maiden continental crown.
