Nigeria’s U-20 side fell short in their quest to reach the final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-0 defeat to South Africa on Tuesday, despite dominating large spells of the game, Soccernet.ng reports.
The match, played at a Suez Canal Stadium, was tense and competitive from the onset, with the Flying Eagles creating numerous chances in the first half but failing to convert.
The opening 20 minutes saw Nigeria push forward with purpose, trying to find a breakthrough. However, their finishing let them down.
Clinton Jephta delivered a dangerous ball into the box for Kparobo Arierhi in the 21st minute, but the forward couldn’t get a proper connection.
Just minutes later, in the 29th minute, Arierhi again came close after receiving a ball from midfield and slicing through South Africa’s defence, only to smash his effort off target.
Nigeria’s best chance of the half came in the 32nd minute when a low strike forced the South African goalkeeper into a fine save before Emmanuel Ojukwu could pounce on the rebound.
In the 38th minute, Jephta found Arierhi inside the box once again, but the shot was deflected wide for a corner. Despite a dominant first-half display from the Flying Eagles, the match went into the break goalless.
After weathering Nigeria’s first-half storm, South Africa took the lead in the second half. In the 60th minute, Smith Tylon rose highest to meet a cross and guided a powerful header beyond the helpless Nigerian goalkeeper Yakub Ajia to make it 1-0.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu made changes, including bringing on Yakub for Harcourt, who appeared to lose balance in key duels. Nigeria pushed forward for an equaliser, but the chances continued to go begging.
Adamu Maigari had a clear sight of goal but couldn’t keep his effort on target. In the dying moments, Precious Benjamin floated a cross to Ayuma, but South Africa’s goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe made a brilliant save to preserve his team’s lead.
Full-Time
Amajitas edge it in a thriller semi-final! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/8IMpvrrE3z
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 15, 2025
Despite a spirited performance from the Flying Eagles, South Africa held on to secure a place in the final, while Nigeria will now focus on fighting for a Bronze medal and regrouping for their World Cup campaign.
