South Africa edge past DR Congo in tense U20 AFCON Quarterfinal
A dramatic extra-time goal propelled South Africa’s Amajita into the U20 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Ismailia. The decisive moment came against the run of play in the 105th minute when South Africa capitalized on a lethal counterattack, breaking Congolese hearts and ending their World Cup qualification hopes.
The match proved a cagey affair with few clear chances. DR Congo’s Samuel Ntanda (Sampdoria) squandered their best opportunity in the 13th minute, denied by last-ditch defending after breaking through the left flank.
The Belgrano U19 graduate later skewed another effort wide (32′) as Les Léopardeaux dominated possession without clinical finishing.
South Africa’s resilient defense held firm, with one defender throwing his body into a crucial 57th-minute block.
The victory extends South Africa’s dream run while DR Congo exit doubly devastated – missing both the semifinals and September’s U20 World Cup in Chile.
