South Africa defeated Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 1-0 to book a place in the final of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Ismaila on Thursday.
Tylon Smith scored the winning goal for the Amajita from a header in the 66th minute.
Nigeria dominated the game from the start but were wasteful especially in the first half.
Kparobo Arierhi hit the woodwork once, while South Africa goalkeeper also make a couple of good saves.
The Flying Eagles lost reliable goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt to injury early in the second half.
Harcourt’s replacement Ajia Yakubu was responsible was at fault for the goal conceded by his side.
The 20-year-old failed to deal with a cross from the right allowing Smith to nod from inside the box.
Nigeria fought hard but couldn’t find the equaliser.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side will now fight for third position.