Mahlangu's extra-time winner fires Amajita into Under-20 AFCON semis and Under-World Cup

Amajita booked their place in the semi-finals Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt with a thrilling 1-0 extra-time victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday night.

The win also secured their participation in the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

Substitute Thabang Mahlangu slotted home the winner in the 109th minute after the match ended goalless after 90 minutes of regulation play. The forward was in the right place at the right time to tap in from close range after a precise cross from Shakeel April, sending the young South Africans and their coaching staff into raptures.

The match itself was a clash of styles, with the bigger boys from Congo looking to impose themselves physically against the smaller, but fleet-footed South Africans.

DR Congo's forwards Jules Ahoka and Samuel Ntanda posed a constant aerial threat, trying to outmuscle Amajita. But the South African players stood firm, relying on the speed and guile of Patrick Autata and Neo Rapoo to try and break the deadlock.

Rapoo had a couple of great chances in space on the edge of the DR Congo penalty area, but he just couldn't find the target with his educated left foot.

As the game progressed into the second half, the intensity escalated and the game got a bit heated and the referee became quite liberal in dishing out yellow cards to both teams.

However, the introduction of Thabang Mahlangu would prove pivotal. With the match heading towards penalties, Mahlangu struck the decisive blow with a composed tap-in after a lovely ball from April.

DR Congo's had a few late attempts to equalise, but the South Africa’s defence, anchored by their goalkeeper Tylon Smith, held firm.

As the whistle blew, Amajita celebrated their hard-fought victory, joining Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco in the semi-finals of the tournament.

@JohnGoliath82