SAFA president and coach Mdaka hail Amajita's 'momentous' World Cup qualification

Raymond Mdaka. Photo credit: CAF Online

SAFA president Danny Jordaan and Amajita head coach Raymond Mdaka have lauded the SA U-20 National Team's 'momentous' qualification for the FIFA U-20 Men's World Cup.

The South African Under-20 National Team qualified for the youth-level global showpiece by virtue of booking a spot in the semifinals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, staged in Egypt.

Mdaka's men fought their way to a 1-0 extra-time win against DR Congo, making them the fourth and final team to advance to the U-20 AFCON semifinals.

It was Thabang Mahlangu’s decisive moment that sealed the win for Amajita. He met a precise Shakeel April cross in the 109th minute, tapping home the goal that sparked elation for the SA U-20 side.

The SA Football Association (SAFA) president Jordaan praised the team, stating their hard work in Egypt had paid off.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, U-20 coach Mdaka added: “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.”