Tylon Smith scored the only goal of the game as South Africa beat Nigeria 1-0 to advance to the final of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo on Thursday.
Smith’s 66th minute header was enough to earn the win and send Amajita, who had already qualified for the Under-20 World Cup, into the final of the tournament. South Africa will take on the winner of the second semi-final between Morocco and hosts Egypt.
In a tight encounter, South Africa’s discipline at the back proved to be the deciding factor against a Flying Eagles side that looked the better team on the night. The Nigerians had 21 shots at goal, compared to South Africa’s six, and saw more of the ball. But, they weren’t able to breach Fletcher Smythe-Lowe’s goal.
The 18-year-old Smythe-Lowe produced a number of top saves to deny Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma from scoring for the Nigerians.
South Africa’s goal came in the 66th minute when Smith rose highest to power home a header after an accurate corner kick by Neo Rapoo. Nigeria responded immediately, but the South African goalkeeper stood strong to deny them an equaliser.
Raymond Mdaka’s men were able to hold on until the end, and book their spot in the competition’s final for the first time since 1997.
Nigeria, who have won the competition a record seven times, have fallen at the semi-final stage for a second time in a row. In 2023, Nigeria were eliminated after being beaten 1-0 by losing finalists Gambia.
The final will take place in Cairo on Sunday.
IOL Sport
