BREAKING: 4 Nations Fight For Continental Glory In AFCON U20 Semi-finals After World Cup Qualification
The U20 Africa Cup of Nations reaches its fever pitch today as the semi-final clashes unfold, pitting Nigeria against South Africa in Ismailia and hosts Egypt against Morocco in Cairo. With all four nations – the Flying Eagles, Amajita, the Junior Atlas Lions, and the Young Pharaohs – already securing their berths at the upcoming U20 World Cup in Chile, the focus now shifts to claiming continental supremacy and dethroning reigning champions Senegal.
Nigeria, the most successful nation in the tournament’s history with seven titles, will face a South African side eager to make their mark. The Flying Eagles navigated Group B with a win over Tunisia, a draw against Morocco, and a late escape against Kenya before edging out Senegal in a tense quarter-final penalty shootout. Coach Aliyu Zubairu confidently stated, “We will do everything to bring the trophy back home… We hope to neutralise their strengths and capitalise on their weaknesses.”
South Africa, making their ninth appearance in the competition, bounced back from an opening defeat to Egypt to secure wins over Tanzania and Sierra Leone, followed by a draw with Zambia. Thabang Mahlangu’s extra-time winner against DR Congo sealed their World Cup spot and semi-final place. While history suggests a close contest between Nigeria and South Africa, with one win, one loss, and one draw in their previous U20 AFCON encounters, Nigeria boasts a remarkable record of reaching the semi-finals in their last nine appearances in tournaments they’ve qualified for. Their semi-final clash kicks off at 18:00 West African Time at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.
The second semi-final promises a thrilling North African derby as hosts Egypt lock horns with Morocco at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. Egypt had a mixed Group A campaign, following a win over South Africa with a surprising loss to Sierra Leone and a narrow victory over Tanzania. They then relied on heroics from substitute goalkeeper Ahmed Menshawy to overcome Ghana in a quarter-final penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. Coach Osama Nabih acknowledged the significance of the match, calling it an “Arab final” against a “strong and well-organised opponent.” He believes that securing World Cup qualification has provided his players with “psychological stability” to focus on their football.
Morocco also enjoyed a strong group stage, with wins over Kenya and Tunisia sandwiching a draw against Nigeria. They edged past Sierra Leone in their quarter-final thanks to an own goal. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed respect for the Egyptian team but affirmed his side’s ambition to win the championship, stating, “We achieved our first goal by qualifying for the World Cup – now we want to finish the job… Our philosophy is simple: we don’t concern ourselves with referees, the pitch, or the crowd. We focus on ourselves.” History favours Egypt in their final meetings with Morocco, remaining unbeaten in their last five encounters, with their six previous tournament clashes averaging an exciting 2.83 goals per game.
Football fans across the continent can anticipate two captivating semi-final encounters as these four talented teams battle for a place in the AFCON U20 final and the chance to be crowned Africa’s best at this age level.