On Monday night, the Amajita left it late to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the Suez Canal Stadium in Cairo, booking their place in the final four.

With the match heading for penalties after ending 0-0 in regulation time, South Africa found the winner in extra time thanks to a decisive strike. It was a classic knockout clash, intense, physical, and emotionally charged, with both sides fighting hard to seal qualification.

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In the end, a single goal proved enough to separate the two determined teams. Thabang Mahlangu broke the deadlock in extra time, scoring the match-winner in the 105th minute and ensuring Amajita’s journey in Egypt continues.

In the semi-finals, South Africa will take on Nigeria, which advanced after beating Senegal 3-1 on penalties. In the other quarter-final fixtures, Morocco edged Sierra Leone 1–0, while hosts Egypt defeated Ghana 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw following extra time.

Amajita head coach Raymond Mdaka admitted his side had to dig deep to earn both the victory and qualification for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

Thabang Mahlangu and Lazola Maku. Photo: SuperSport United

“We used almost everything we had—technically, tactically, physically, and in terms of character,” Mdaka said.

“You could see they had a very good plan for us. We were fortunate not to concede in the first half or the second half. We regrouped, came back stronger, managed to score, and then held on to protect the lead.”

South Africa will face Nigeria in the semi-final on Thursday, with kick-off set for 17:00 at the Suez Canal Stadium. Hosts Egypt will take on Morocco in the second semi-final at the 30 June Stadium at 20:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek