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South Africa pipped pre-tournament favourites Morocco by a solitary goal at the 30th June stadium in Cairo last night, to clinch their maiden AFCON U20 trophy and the first men’s title since Bafana Bafana won AFCON at home in 1996.
Following a barren first stanza, both teams resumed with an intent of winning the match in the regulation time, but both sides were too cautious.
The 70th-minute right-footed screamer from the edge of the box by Gomolemo Kekana, found the back of the net from the top corner and was the decisive move to separate the two sides.
It was a sweet revenge for South Africa under 20 after losing to Morocco in the 1997 final to become the 12th different side to lift the trophy.
Seven-time champions Nigeria won bronze after seeing off host Egypt 4-1 in post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw.
South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria and Egypt will represent the continent at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup penciled for Chile between 27th September and October 19th this year.
Nigeria remains the most successful country in the U20 history with 7 titles to their name, followed by Ghana and Egypt with 4 trophies apiece.
A total of 9 countries have won the title once: Cameroon, Angola, South Africa, Morocco, Mali, Algeria, Zambia, Congo and Senegal.
