Stellenbosch FC defender Tylon Smith was the hero for South Africa’s U-20s after scoring the match-winning goal to send the Amajita to the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations final.

South Africa’s U-20 team qualified for the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1997 after recording a 1-0 semi-final victory over Nigeria at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt on Thursday evening.

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Tylon Smith, born and raised in Jamestown, Stellenbosch, was the difference maker on the night after popping up with the match-winning goal in the 67th minute, rising highest to score a looping header past Super Eagles ‘keeper Ajia Yakub.

From Jamestown to the world 🤩

Tylon Smith with a massive goal for the South Africa U-20 side 🇿🇦🔥pic.twitter.com/dj4ECms9k8

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 15, 2025

The towering centre-back was also named Man of the Match for his performance on the night, adding to the previous award he collected following South Africa’s 4-1 group stage victory over Sierra Leone earlier in the competition.

Throwback | Smith reacts to first SA U-20 call-up [March 2024]

He, alongside club teammates Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams, as well as Stellies youth goalkeeper coach Morne Crumpton, will next face the winner between Morocco and hosts Egypt in the final.