AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will have to wait till 20227 to have another shot at an eighth continental title after losing in the semi-final of the ongoing Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The seven-time champions came into the match as slight favorite ehaving kept three clean sheets in four matches in the competition.
Flying Eagles striggles in front of goal was their Achilles heel as they struggled to convert the chances they had in the match.
Despite dominating the opposition, Aliyu Zubairu’s boys remained goal shy as South Africa kept a low block in the second half.
South Africa took the lead in the 66th minute as Tylon Smith took advantage of Flying Eagles goalkeeper’ error.
The 20-year-old defender planted a header into the back of the net as Ajia Yakub’s attempt to make a clearance from a cross into the box failed.
Isreal Ayuma’s attempt at goal from a header lacked power as Fletcher Smythe-Lowe parrried the ball to safety.
South Africa held on to their lead to the end of the match as they progressed to the final for the second time in the history of the competition.
