One of Kenya U20 group opponents – Morocco – on Thursday 15 May booked their place in the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after seeing off hosts Egypt 1-0 in the day’s second semi-final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.In a physical North African Derby, substitute Jones El Abdellaoui proved to be the difference-maker, finding the back of the net in the 77th minute.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe striker latched onto a well-delivered cross from Ismaël Aouad, calmly slotting home to give the Young Atlas Lions a big win, which will now see them face South Africa in a repeat of the 1997 final on Sunday 18 May (2100 EAT).When Jones El Abdellaoui decided to do it himself! 🤩🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/nKQkMQBi9t— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 15, 2025 Egypt started brightly but found clear chances hard to come by, while Morocco gradually grew into the match, creating more meaningful opportunities as the game progressed.Morocco’s dominance in possession began to tell in the second half, with Reda Laalaoui, Fouad Zahouani, and Hossam Essadak all testing Egypt’s backline with long-range efforts and clever build-up play.The breakthrough came after a spell of Moroccan pressure, and despite Egypt’s late attempts to respond—most notably through Ahmed Kabaka and Mohamed Raafat—the Pharaohs could not find a way past Morocco’s resolute defense.Main character energy? They are finalists anyway! 😁🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/kL1QZQKE8l— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 15, 2025 At the Suez Canal Stadium, Bafana Bafana edged out the other Rising Stars group opponent Nigeria thanks to a well-taken header by Tylon Smith in the 66th minute that sealed their second appearance in the continental final.The match began cautiously, with both sides probing without creating clear-cut chances.A crucial goal. 😮💨Tylon Smith takes the Man of the Match Award after commanding display and match winner. 🤩🇿🇦@Football2gether | #TotalEnergiesAFCON | #RSANGA pic.twitter.com/FYAnw43cXM— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 15, 2025 Nigeria’s Tahir Maigana and South Africa’s Kutlwano Letlhaku both had early efforts saved in a first half that ended goalless despite Nigeria’s superior attacking numbers.The breakthrough came just after the hour mark, as Neo Rapoo whipped in a corner from the right, and Smith rose highest to power home a header into the centre of the goal — his first of the tournament and arguably the most important yet for the Amajita.Nigeria responded with urgency, making double substitutions in the 65th minute to inject pace and fresh energy into the attack.AFCON U20: 2 of Kenya’s group opponents join 4 nations in U20 World Cup qualificationRickson Mendos and Bidemi Amole nearly made instant impacts, with both going close in a series of intense late assaults on the South African goal.Ayuma had two excellent chances to level, including a diving header that was brilliantly saved by Lowe.##NAJAVA_MECA_8925197##But South Africa’s resolute defending and composed midfield play saw them through, stretching their unbeaten run at the Suez Canal Stadium to four games.With continental glory, pride, and redemption from their loss in 1997 at stake, the final is poised to deliver a captivating battle between two nations with unfinished business on the CAF U-20 AFCON stage.
