Amajita booked their place in the final after edging the Flying Eagles of Nigeria in a tense semi-final clash at the Suez Canal Stadium in Cairo.

The deadlock was broken in the 66th minute when Tylon Christopher Smith found the back of the net, courtesy of a well-placed assist from Neo Rapoo.

While Nigeria were widely considered the stronger side on paper and the pitch, it was South Africa’s grit, character, and fighting spirit that shone through to secure the historic win. South Africa now faces another stern test on Sunday, when they take on Morocco in the final.

The North Africans earned their spot after a narrow 1-0 win over hosts Egypt in the second semi-final, played at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. Jones El-Abdellaoui netted the winner in the 77th minute to seal the result.

Amajita head coach Raymond Mdaka praised his team’s resilience and discipline following their breakthrough performance.

Tylon Christopher Smith. Photo: X

“Yes, another win, congratulations to the boys,” said Mdaka. “What a great job. Good character, very disciplined, and they stuck to the game plan, tactically and technically. We really appreciate that.

“As much as it wasn’t easy, our boys are growing with every match — growing in character, growing in all aspects. Thank you so much, and well done to the boys, and well done to the country.”

On Sunday at 18:00, Egypt will face Nigeria in the third-place playoff at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, while the championship final between South Africa and Morocco will kick off at 20:00 at the same venue.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh