The Super Eagles of Nigeria will square off against South Africa in the semifinal of the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter.
The Amajita have been one of the most exciting teams at the Under-20 AFCON. They are a team that love to take the game to their opponents, and it won't be any different against Nigeria.
Till now, South Africa and Sierra Leone are the only team that has scored up to four goals in a single game at the Under-20 AFCON.
Ahead of the game, Soccernet.ng names five South African players who could tame the Flying Eagles.
Thabang Mahlangu
Thabang Mahlangu has been impressive for South Africa at the Under-20 AFCON. He has scored three important goals for the Amajita in this tournament, including the goal that sent South Africa to the semifinal of the tournament, and they were all off the bench.
So, you could easily call him the team’s joker card. It is unlikely that he will start, but South Africa's coach Raymond Ndaka will throw him in if they need a goal.
Shakeel April
April is another player that the Flying Eagles must be wary of. He is a very quick and witty winger who is quite unpredictable. Depending on the situation, he could cut in and try an effort or send in a cross.
April supplied the assist for Mahlangu's goal against DR Congo, and that was his third goal involvement in the tournament after an assist against Sierra Leone and a goal against Tanzania earlier on.
Fletcher Smyth-Lowe
South Africa have faced a lot of shots in this tournament, but they have had Smythe-Lowe to save them multiple times.
The 18-year-old has been very important to the Amajita this season, and he will look to continue shinning against Nigeria.
Gomolemo Kekana
Gomolemo Kekana has been the engine in South Africa's midfield. He has played every single minute for South Africa at the Under-20 AFCON.
The 18-year-old is intense but composed. However, his passing is not great yet. Still, with him running around in the middle of the park, the likes of Oliseh and Ayuma will have a tough job in their hands.
Neo Rapoo
Neo Rapoo is another player who has played every minute for the Majita at the 2025 Under-20 AFCON.
He operates majorly from the left side of the pitch, and he could cause a lot of problems for Maigari. He has one assist in the tournament so far.
