AFCON U-20: Morocco, South Africa seal semi-final spots

By Olaolu Joseph

Morocco and South Africa have joined Nigeria and host nation Egypt in the semi-finals of the ongoing CAF TotalEnergies Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The four teams have also secured qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place later this year in Chile.

Morocco booked their spot in dramatic fashion, courtesy of a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone. An own goal by Amara Keita in the 115th minute, as he deflected Illias Boumassaoudi’s cross into his own net, handed the North Africans a late victory.

South Africa also edged DR Congo 1-0, with Thabang Mahlangu netting the winner early in extra time after a goalless 90 minutes.

Like the earlier quarter-finals, both matches remained deadlocked in regulation time, requiring an extra 30 minutes to decide the outcomes.

With the quarter-finals concluded, the semi-final pairings are set: Nigeria will face South Africa in Ismailia, while Morocco and Egypt clash in an all-North African tie in Cairo.

Both semi-finals will be played on Thursday, May 15.

Semi-Final Fixtures – May 15
Nigeria vs South Africa – Ismailia (4 p.m.)
Morocco vs Egypt – Cairo (9 p.m.)