The semi-final line-up for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations has been confirmed, with Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt and South Africa securing their places after dramatic quarter-finals.
Their progression also guarantees qualification for this year’s U20 FIFA World Cup, to be held in Chile from 27 September to 19 October.
Nigeria advanced after a tense goalless draw with Sierra Leone, eventually triumphing in a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt proved the hero, saving two spot-kicks as Nigeria converted all three of theirs.
Sierra Leone’s Pierre Antoine Diatta Dorival and Mame Mor Faye saw their efforts denied, while Ousmane Konaté struck the crossbar.
Morocco edged past Sierra Leone 1-0 after extra time at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium. The deadlock was broken in the 115th minute via a cruel own goal by Amara Nmale Keita.
Sierra Leone had earlier gone down to ten men when Samba Juma Bah was sent off in the 98th minute.
Egypt also needed penalties to overcome Ghana after a thrilling 2-2 draw. Moamen Sherif Abdel Aziz Shehata Goweily scored twice for Egypt, with Ghana responding through Aziz Issah and a last-gasp penalty from Abdul Hakim Sulemana.
Ghana’s Aaron Essel was dismissed in extra time before Egypt held their nerve in the shootout.
South Africa completed the quartet with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo. Thabang Mahlangu scored the decisive goal in the 109th minute, assisted by Shakeel April.
“This is another momentous occasion, coming so soon after we qualified for the 2025 African Nations Championship (Chan) on Sunday, and the Fifa U17 World Cup to be held in Qatar from 3–27 November 2025,” the Safa president said as per Safa.
U20 Coach Raymond Mdaka said: “We used almost everything that we thought we had, technically, tactically, physically and the character.
“You could see they had a very good plan for us, but we were fortunate not to concede in the first half and in the second half. We sorted it out and then we at least came back and were able to get a goal and protected the goal.”
