Morocco and South Africa will go head-to-head in the final of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday evening, bringing the curtain down on a fiercely contested tournament.
The championship decider takes place at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, with kick-off set for 18:00 GMT.
Earlier in the day, Egypt and Nigeria will face off in the third-place playoff, with both teams seeking redemption following narrow defeats in the semi-finals.
One last battle. 🥉
The Bronze is still up for grabs. 🇳🇬🇪🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/GzEMSkCK7m
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 16, 2025
The match is scheduled for 15:00 GMT at the same venue.
Nigeria, known for their attacking intent and physical presence, dominated possession and recorded 20 shots in their semi-final against South Africa.
Despite their efforts, they failed to break through and were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat.
Tylon Christopher Smith’s goal proved decisive, propelling South Africa into their first-ever U20 AFCON final.
Meanwhile, Egypt struggled to impose themselves in their semi-final against Morocco, failing to register a single shot on target in front of their home fans.
Morocco secured their place in the final thanks to a late goal by Jones El Abdellaoui, which sealed a 1-0 victory and ended the hosts’ hopes of reaching the final.
Sunday’s final marks a return to the summit of African youth football for both Morocco and South Africa, 28 years after their last final meeting in 1997—won by Morocco.
The Atlas Lions are aiming to claim their second continental crown, while South Africa are chasing a maiden title in what has already been a historic campaign.
Both sides have already secured qualification for the upcoming U20 World Cup in Chile, along with Egypt and Nigeria.
But with continental bragging rights at stake, neither team will be holding back in the tournament’s showpiece.
🇿🇦 Afrique du Sud 🆚 Maroc 🇲🇦
C’est aujourd’hui le grand jour. Qui remportera le trophée #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 ? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/e7cVmyLzaF
— CAF – FR (@caf_online_FR) May 18, 2025
Morocco, under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, have built their campaign on discipline and late-game heroics.
South Africa, meanwhile, have impressed with their grit and efficiency, overcoming tough opposition to reach this stage.
As the sun sets over Cairo, fans can expect a fiercely competitive final and a spirited battle for third place, broadcast live on CAF TV.
Today’s schedule – Sunday, May 18
Third Place Playoff: Nigeria vs Egypt – 15:00 GMT
Final: Morocco vs South Africa – 18:00 GMT
Both matches will be played at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.
