South Africa U-20 1–0 Morocco U-20 Player Ratings: Kekana’s Strike for Africa Crowns Them AFCON U-20 Champions

On the 18th of May, 2025, South Africa U-20 won by a close margin of 1-0 against Morocco U-20 at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt, which kicked off at 6:00 PM GMT(11:30 pm IST) in the Final of the African U-20 Cup of Nations. The two teams last met in 1997 for the first time in the final of this competition. Both teams won their respective semifinals by a margin of 1-0 to qualify for the grand finale. South Africa defeated Nigeria, thanks to a header from Tylon Smith. Morocco, on the other hand, triumphed over hosts Egypt, as Jones El Abdellaoui calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Both teams played a 4-2-3-1 formation and depended heavily on their wingplay. Morocco's Boudlal played a dangerous ball to the goalkeeper Yanis in the 5th minute, which Ahshene tried to pounce on, but the goalkeeper was alert and made a good save early on in the game. As the game progressed, both teams had one or two half-chances which should have been buried. Morocco were more fluid in the first half, as both Abdellaoui and Boumassaoudi's efforts were saved by Lowe. South Africa had decent chances in the first half as Shakeel April and Mfundo Vilakazi fluffed their lines. The game remained 0-0 till the break.

In the second half, Morocco pushed further, with Othmane Maamma and Boudlal coming close. The only goal of the game came in the 70th minute when Kekana provided a glorious finish past Yanis' first post, as the South African fans in the stands burst into joy. The on-field referee called for an offside, but after an extensive VAR review, the goal stood.

The press put on the Moroccan midfield by the South African players finally proved to be fruitful. Morocco tried their best by throwing players into the mix, and they came close a couple of times, but it wasn't just enough as South Africa lifted their first-ever youth continental cup. Here are the South Africa U-20 vs Morocco U-20 Player Ratings.

South Africa U-20 Player Ratings vs Morocco U-20

GK - Fletcher Lowe - 7/10

Pulled off some brilliant saves to keep a clean sheet in the much-anticipated final. Provided the assist for the only goal of the game.

RB - Sfiso Timba - 6/10

Held the backline well, made some attacking runs, and prevented Boumassaoudi from making his trademark runs.

CB - Tylon Smith - 6/10

Made some crucial tackles, complemented his partner Nkwali well, and thwarted many Morocco attacks near and outside the box.

CB - Sivike Nkwali - 6/10

Played some good balls to the midfield from the back line, held the defensive line well alongside Smith.

LB - Thato Sibiya - 6/10

Made quite a few runs in the opposition half and was ignored by his teammates for most of the game. Defensively, played out a solid game as he restricted Boumassaoudi to a good extent.

DM - Lazola Maku - 6/10

Played the pivot role well, broke up attacks in the middle, and played important passes to the forward line.

DM - Gomolemo Kekana - 7/10

Scored the only goal of the game, which proved to be decisive. Kept the Morocco midfield in check and made forward runs whenever he got an opportunity.

RW - Shakeel April - 6/10

Pulled tricks out of his bag to try and bamboozle Zahounai, succeeded at times.

CAM - Mfundo Vilakazi - 6/10

Had a decent game as his shot was well parried away by the Moroccan goalkeeper.

LW - Neo Duncan Rapoo - 6/10

Had a similar game to April, gave Koutone a run for his money.

ST - Lee Jody Ahshene - 6/10

Took great positions in the box and helped in the build-up by dropping deep.

SUB - Thabang Tumelo Mahlangu 6/10

SUB - Patrick Autata 6/10

Manager - Xaniseka Ramond Mdaka - 7/10

Even after a dull first half, made quick substitutions in the second half, which saw South Africa press more effectively, ultimately leading to the goal.

Morocco U-20 Player Ratings vs South Africa U-20

GK - Yanis Benchaouch - 6/10

Tried his level best as he kept quite a few shots out. Got a fingertip to Kekana's effort but should have done better.

RB - Hamza Koutone - 6/10

Played a decent game on the right-hand side, although Rapoo was quick enough to get into the box by running past him twice.

CB - Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal - 5/10

Made a horrendous pass in the first half, which was well dealt with by Yasin. Should have closed down Kekana's shot better.

CB - Ismael Baouf - 6/10

Played a decent game throughout, had nothing much to do in the whole game.

LB - Fouad Zahouani - 6/10

Made a few good runs up top. Defensively solid at the back.

DM - Houssam Esadak - 5/10

Went down too easily in a duel with Campbell, who ultimately played the ball to Kekana.

DM - Reda Laalaoui - 6/10

Decent game in the middle of the park, pulled the strings quite well.

RW - Othmane Maama - 6/10

Made a few good runs into the box, but was largely useless. Had a great chance in the 81st minute, which he headed wide.

CAM - Mouad Dahak - 6/10

Bombarded the box with crosses, but was well dealt with by the two DMs of South Africa.

LW - Ilias Boumassaoudi - 6/10

Tried his level best to bring life into Morocco's game, got into the penalty box too, and got his shot parried away by Lowe.

ST - Jones El Abdellaoui - 6/10

Had little involvement in the game, held up the defenders by putting his physicality to good use.

SUB - Ismael Patrick Tahar Aouad 5/10

SUB - Issa Habri 5/10

SUB - Adnane Hamza Kharroubi 5/10

SUB - Adam Boayar 5/10

Manager - Mohamed Ouahbi - 6/10

Tried his level best by throwing all his players into the mix, but just couldn't find the right combination.

Sportsdunia's player of the match goes to South Africa's Gomolemo Kekana.