Morocco sealed their place in the final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a narrow 1-0 victory over Egypt on Thursday, setting up a decisive clash with South Africa, who earlier edged Nigeria 1-0 in the day’s first semi-final.

it was substitute Jones El Abdellaoui who proved to be the difference-maker, finding the back of the net in the 77th minute. The striker latched onto a well-delivered cross from Ismaël Aouad, calmly slotting home to give the Young Atlas Lions a deserved lead.

The North African derby was marked by its intensity and physicality, with both sides battling hard for supremacy. Egypt started brightly but found clear chances hard to come by, while Morocco gradually grew into the match, creating more meaningful opportunities as the game progressed.

Morocco’s dominance in possession began to tell in the second half, with Reda Laalaoui, Fouad Zahouani, and Hossam Essadak all testing Egypt’s backline with long-range efforts and clever build-up play.

The breakthrough came after a spell of Moroccan pressure, and despite Egypt’s late attempts to respond—most notably through Ahmed Kabaka and Mohamed Raafat—the Pharaohs could not find a way past Morocco’s resolute defense.

The Young Atlas Lions will now face South Africa in what promises to be an enthralling final on Sunday evening, while the hosts will look for a consolation bronze medal when they face Nigeria on the day.

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The renewed rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa has gained the attention of former Flying Eagles’ skipper, Andrew Uwe.

The former central defender led the Flying Eagles to their first-ever podium finish at the World Cup, finishing third in the Soviet Union after a hot battle with the hosts in 1985.

Uwe told the Sports Village Square that he monitored the team on CAF TV from his base in Germany.

“I am delighted to see the team maintaining their calmness in the nerve-wrecking penalty shoot-out after regulation time and extra time did not produce a winner.

It was in similar circumstances that Uwe’s Flying Eagles beat the Soviet Union in the third-place match 40 years ago.

Now, he wants the Flying Eagles to go further than just eliminating the defending champions, Senegal. “I want them to go for a record-extending eighth time win of the African title.”

Uwe led the Flying Eagles to win the African title in 1985 after a 3-2 aggregate defeat of Tunisia. It was the second time that Nigeria won the African title.

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Nigeria held their nerve to secure a place in the semi-finals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, defeating defending champions Senegal 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who had gone largely untested in the shootout, emerged as a quiet hero. His save against Mame Mor Faye’s spot kick proved pivotal in tilting the balance.

The Flying Eagles renewed their fierce rivalry in a tense quarter-final that saw both sides create scoring chances but ultimately fail to break the deadlock in 120 minutes of action.

Nigeria, unbeaten in the group stages, maintained their composure in the shootout with spot kicks expertly converted by Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma.

Senegal, by contrast, faltered under pressure — Pierre Dorival’s effort was saved, Mame Mor Faye’s was denied, and Ousmane Konaté crashed his attempt off the crossbar.

Seydi Diouck netted Senegal’s only penalty, but it was not enough to prevent the reigning champions from exiting the tournament.

The result marks Nigeria’s eighth successive quarter-final win at the U20 AFCON under the current format. They now advance to the semi-finals, where they will look to maintain their record of never losing a quarter-final tie in this competition.

Despite the final scoreline, both sides had moments where they could have clinched victory in open play. Nigeria’s Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh each forced saves from Senegal keeper Mouhamed Sissokho, while Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam came agonisingly close in the 42nd minute with a header that rattled the post.

As the match wore on, fatigue set in but the determination from both camps never wavered. Nigeria’s tactical substitutions — including the introduction of Precious Benjamin and Rickson Mendos — added attacking impetus late on, while Senegal reshuffled to find a breakthrough with the likes of Seydi Diouck and Mame Mor Faye.

Extra time saw Nigeria press with renewed energy. Tahir Maigana’s curling strike in the 106th minute drew a fine stop from Sissokho, while Israel Ayuma’s long-range effort two minutes later also required intervention. Yet, despite Nigeria’s dominance in the closing stages, the deadlock remained.

Senegal, who came into the tie with a strong defensive record and ambitions to retain their crown, were ultimately undone by Nigeria’s discipline and precision in the decisive moments. The result also marked their first loss in a knockout match since 2017.

Post-match, Nigeria head coach Ladan Bosso praised his side’s resilience. “We prepared for all scenarios, including penalties. I’m proud of the boys for executing under pressure,” he said.

With this result, Nigeria move one step closer to a record-extending eighth U20 AFCON title, while Senegal will now reflect on what could have been after a hard-fought campaign.

-Reuters

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