Amajita lift maiden U20 AFCON crown
They took the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in Egypt.
South Africa faced Morocco in the final after they defeated Nigeria in the last-four.
Raymond Mdaka's side continued their display of clinical defending, finding the back of the net in the 70th minute, for a 1-0 win.
Gomolemo Kekana's goal proved decisive, although it needed a VAR confirmation, after his strike was initially ruled out for offside.
It's South Africa's first title in this competition, after reaching the final for the second time.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs starlet draws local and European interest
Kaizer Chiefs' rising right-back Sfiso Timba has caught the eye of PSL club Sekhukhune United following his stellar displays for the DDC team and South Africa's U20 national side, Amajita. Timba, who recently impressed at trials with Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek and also trained with the Amakhosi senior team, now finds himself at the centre of growing transfer interest. A reliable source close to Naturena revealed that Sekhukhune United have formally enquired about the 19-year-old. 'You know Chiefs were looking at promoting him this season, but it's believed that with the signing of Thabiso Monyane they have enough right backs at the moment and they are looking at him growing. And since it's believed that Sekhukhune United have enquired about him, then they could loan him there. It won't be a permanent move. No, it is expected to be a loan move. But, yes, the interest is there from Sekhukhune United,' said the source. While Chiefs considered elevating Timba to the senior team, Monyane's arrival has temporarily blocked that pathway. However, a loan deal to Sekhukhune could offer the young defender valuable top-flight experience. Meanwhile, the door to Europe remains open. Timba left a strong impression during his stint at RWD Molenbeek, and the Belgian club reportedly still monitors his progress. 'They were happy when he was there. They even made a follow-up on him, and the chances are that he could still go there. But, for now, the club has to deal with the local interest first and take it from there.' Timba's stock has surged since helping coach Raymond Mdaka's Amajita squad clinch the U20 AFCON title. Securing a coveted spot at the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup. His leadership and composure at the back have positioned him as one of the brightest young talents in South African football. As local and international clubs line up for his signature. Kaizer Chiefs face a crucial decision on how best to nurture one of their most promising academy graduates. Should Kaizer Chiefs release another youngster? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
After stadium delays, African Nations Championship kicks off
KENYA - After severe delays in stadium renovations, east Africa is finally ready to co-host the much-awaited African Nations Championship (CHAN), kicking off on Saturday. It is a historic moment for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, whose "Pamoja" - meaning "together" in Swahili - bid two years ago gave birth to the first Confederation of African Football (CAF) tournament in the region since 1976, and the first to be jointly hosted by three countries. The CHAN tournament, which runs to August 30, acts as a precursor to the continent's main event, the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, also co-hosted by the three countries. CHAN features only players from domestic clubs, and cannot include anyone playing for teams abroad. Getting the five stadiums ready has been a struggle, with CAF delaying the tournament from its planned dates in February to give them more time to prepare. On a final inspection tour in Nairobi last week CAF general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba celebrated the three nations' progress and co-operation. "I think we in Africa need to learn from this model. Three countries have pooled their efforts and resources to successfully deliver," he told reporters. - 'Great challenge' - Tanzania will get the 19-team competition underway when they play Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium in the economic capital Dar es Salaam on Saturday. Favourites Morocco pulled out of the last competition in Algeria in February 2023, but have returned with one of the tournament's strongest teams, featuring six players from the winning CAF Confederation Cup - including Olympian goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi. The two-time champions have been drawn in Group A, alongside hosts Kenya, as well as Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya are making their debut under South African head coach Benni McCarthy, part of Erik ten Hag's Manchester United coaching staff. "Honestly, it is a great challenge," the 47-year-old said. "When you play football and then convert to become a coach, to get what you want to be the best, the difficult teams will always be in your path. You have to beat them anyway." Co-hosts Uganda have competed in six of the previous seven CHAN tournaments without ever qualifying for the knockout phase, but they hope to break the jinx, beginning with the home group matches against Algeria, Guinea, Niger and South Africa. They have tapped former national team captain Denis Onyango to join the technical bench and help improve their goalkeeping. Meanwhile, defending champions Senegal begin against fellow west African rivals Nigeria at Zanzibar's Amaan stadium on August 5.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Fifa youth coach Thabo Senong on abundance of talent in SA
He says if players are exposed to quality coaching from an early age they will peak at about 17 and 18 years old and that will increase their chances of moving to clubs abroad early. As SA U-20 coach, Senong steered Amajita to two U-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and coached the team at the Fifa U-20 World Cup in Poland. He says there is an abundance of talent in South Africa that needs to be discovered. He emphasises the importance of young South African players moving overseas and some, such as Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates, going to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with Bafana Bafana in December and January. He urges players in coach Molefi Ntseki's local-based Bafana squad, most of whom are clubless, to take advantage of the opportunity to represent the country at the African Nations Championship co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in August.
