South Africa Edges Morocco 1-0 to Claim Under-20 AFCON Title

The only goal of the match was scored in the 70th minute. Initially disallowed for an offside position, the goal was eventually validated after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).

The first half ended in a goalless draw (0-0) despite chances on both sides, with defenses and goalkeepers getting the better of the attacks. Morocco tried to equalize late in the second half, notably through a header by Othmane Maamma that missed the target in the 83rd minute, but the score remained unchanged.

Previously, the Moroccan team had a solid run, with two victories against Kenya and Tunisia in the group stage, a draw against Nigeria, before eliminating Sierra Leone (1-0) in the quarter-final and Egypt (1-0) in the semi-final.

In the third-place match played earlier on Sunday, Nigeria secured the bronze medal by defeating Egypt on penalties, after a 1-1 draw at the end of regular time.

The four semi-finalist teams – South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria, and Egypt – are qualified to represent the African continent at the U20 World Cup scheduled for this year in Chile.