South Africa 1-0 Nigeria: Flying Eagles lose in U20 AFCON semifinal
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria suffered a loss to South Africa in the semifinal of the 2025 U-20 AFCON.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will not win the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team led by Aliyu Zubairu suffered a 1-0 loss to the Amajita of South Africa in their semifinal U-20 AFCON clash on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Flying Eagles lose to South Africa
The Flying Eagles came into the fixture after defeating Senegal on penalties in the quarterfinals to also book a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup.
The game was a cagey affair as both team choose to operate on the counter attack.
The Flying Eagles dominated possession but did not make use of it as the game stayed level at the halftime break.
To start the second half, the Flying Eagles were dealt a blow as 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Ifeanyi- Harcourt suffered an injury.
He was replaced by Ajia Soliu Yakub in the 51st minute with the game still tied.
Yakub would try to gather a cross only to be beaten by a header from Tylon Christopher Smith to give South Africa the lead in the 66th minute.
Zubairu rang the changes but the Flying Eagles were unable to get an equalizer as South Africa held on for the win.
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