U-20 AFCON: South Africa snatch extra time winner against DR Congo, qualify for U-20 World Cup
- Andrew Olsson
- May 12
- 1 min read
South Africa claimed their ticket to the semifinals and the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in dramatic fashion on Monday with a quarterfinal 1-0 victory over DR Congo at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Thabang Mahlangu was the hero for Amajita, collecting a cross from Shakeel April and calmly taking a touch before finishing the match winner in the third minute of stoppage time from the first half of extra time. The goal came only moments after DR Congo came close to scoring and the result of an incisive counter-attack.
It was a hard-fought battle throughout the ninety minutes with strong defending keeping the star attackers on both teams off the scoresheet. Despite plenty of attacking intent, both teams could combine for only three shots on target in the first ninety minutes, all from DR Congo.
But the action increased in extra time and after after the DRC came close to scoring from long range, it appeared they were still in the midst of a penalty kick appeal when South Africa struck. Amajita broke out down the right wing and after some excellent work by April, he opened up space to cross for a wide open Mahlangu who coolly finished for a lead that South Africa would not let go.
South Africa will now face Nigeria in the semifinals on Thursday in Ismaila. The second semifinal between Egypt and Morocco will take place later on the same day in Cairo.
