South Africa Stun USA to Reach U20 World Cup Knockouts for First Time in 16 Years

Amajita advance to the Round of 16 after hard fought 2-1 win, with Kekana, Vilakazi and Smythe Lowe starring

South Africa Stun USA to Reach U20 World Cup Knockouts for First Time in 16 Years

South Africa’s U20 side (Amajita) secured spot in the 2025 FIFA U20 World cup knockout stage after edging the United States 2 - 1 in their final Group E clash at Estadio El Teniente Chile on Sunday.

Early drama as Amajita recover from early setback

The Americans started strongly and took the lead when Noah Cobb turned in Matthew Corcoran free kick.

However South Africa struck back swiftly .. Thato Sibiya’s cross deflected off Joshua Wynder and into his own net to level the score.

Before halftime Shakeel April raced down the right wing and set up Gomolemo Kekana whose 1st time finish put Amajita ahead 2 - 1 .. a lead they never surrendered.

Magidigidi equalizes for Amajita! South Africa 1 - 1 USA pic.twitter.com/0WNNsew4gW

— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) October 5, 2025

Kaizer Chiefs & Sundowns starlets shine again

Mfundo Vilakazi the Kaizer Chiefs playmaker impressed with his vision and creativity. His clever pass started the move that led to the decisive goal.

Meanwhile Kekana part of Mamelodi Sundowns first team, dominated midfield battles with composure & maturity beyond his years.

Between the posts, Fletcher Smythe Lowe who plays for Estoril in Portugal, produced 6 key save and commanded his area confidently to frustrate the Americans.

South Africa in the last 16. Proud Bafana Bafana! 🇿🇦#U20WCpic.twitter.com/IapWTMxqtf

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 5, 2025

Strong defensive resolve seals historic progress

Despite ceding possession for large stretches, Amajita defended resiliently through Tylon Smith and limited the USA to few clear chances.

Their discipline ensured South Africa reached the U20 World cup knockout phase for only the 2nd time in history after first doing so in 2009 in Egypt.

What’s next for Amajita

South Africa finished second in Group E with 6 point behind the USA on goal difference, and ahead of France.

They'll now face the Group F winners in the Round of 16 at Estadio Fiscal in Talca on 8 October.

FT: 🇿🇦 SA 2-1 🇺🇸 USA

A massive 3pts for Amajita, beating an unbeaten US in Group E to seal their qualification to the KO stage. 2 wins in 3 matches 💪 for the African champions! #U20WCpic.twitter.com/fNOzntuSAF

— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) October 5, 2025