Amajita head coach Raymond Mdaka has lavished praise on his players following South Africa’s impressive 1-0 triumph over Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in the semi-final of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mdaka credited his team’s discipline, hard work, and tactical execution as the keys to overcoming the previously unbeaten Nigerian side.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy against a team like Nigeria,” Mdaka said. “But the boys followed the game plan perfectly. We stayed compact, worked hard for each other, and took our chance when it mattered most.”
The South Africans frustrated Nigeria’s attacking threats throughout the match, showing defensive resilience and composure.
When the opportunity came, they capitalized clinically — a moment that ultimately sent them into the final.
“It’s all about focus and belief,” Mdaka continued. “We respected Nigeria, but we believed in ourselves.
This victory is for the team, the technical crew, and every South African who believed in us.”
With the result, South Africa advances to the U-20 AFCON final, while Nigeria will battle hosts Egypt in the third-place playoff.
The win also solidifies Amajita’s reputation as one of the continent’s rising forces at youth level.
As the final approaches, Mdaka’s side will look to maintain their momentum and write a golden chapter in South African football history.
