South Africa defender Tylon Smith has been named Player of the Tournament at the end of the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The imposing centre-back played as a regular for the Amajitas at the tournament, putting up impressive performances in all games to ensure his team progressed through the various phases of the tournament.
His equaliser for South Africa against Nigeria in the semi-finals sent the Amajitas to the final to have the chance to fight for gold.
In the final of the tournament against Morocco on Sunday, Tylon Smith starred at the back, leading by example to help his team to shutout the North African side.
For his exceptional displays that propelled South Africa win the U20 AFCON, Smith has been named Player of the Tournament (Man of The Competition).
🇿🇦 𝐓𝐲𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 🇿🇦
The commanding centre-back that anchored Amajita’s defense is your Man of The Competition. 🏆@Football2gether | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/AJgLSfzsY8
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 18, 2025
In the highly contested final played at the Cairo International Stadium, both teams served fans with a pulsating encounter.
Despite the many chances created in the first half, neither side could find the back of the net.
After the recess, Gomolemo Kekana scored the only goal of the match in the 70th minute after he was set up by Fletcher Smythe-Lowe.
With 20 minutes to go, Morocco pushed for the equaliser but could not break down the strong defence of South Africa.
Eventually, the solitary goal by Gomolemo Kekana secured the win for South Africa ensuring that the Amajitas are crowned Champions of the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt.
