The quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 brought a wave of excitement, nerves, and emotional highs and lows as four nations — Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa — clinched their places in the semi-finals and punched their tickets to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Nigeria Ends Senegal’s Title Defense in Nerve-Wracking Shootout
In a battle worthy of champions at the Suez Canal Stadium, Nigeria took on defending champions Senegal in a match that went the full 120 minutes without a goal. The intensity was clear, and it all came down to the dreaded penalty shootout. Nigeria held their nerve, with Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu, and Israel Ayuma converting their spot-kicks, while Senegal stumbled. A key save from goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt sealed a 3-1 win in the shootout, keeping Nigeria’s incredible quarter-final streak alive — now eight straight wins at this stage.
Morocco edges Brave Sierra Leone in an Extra-Time Heartbreaker
At the Air Defence Stadium, Morocco were pushed to their limits by debutants Sierra Leone, who showed tremendous spirit and determination, even after going down to 10 men. For over 110 minutes, the teams were locked in a tense goalless contest. Then, heartbreak struck for Sierra Leone in the 115th minute when an own goal by Amara Keita handed Morocco a narrow 1-0 win. While it was a cruel ending for the tournament newcomers, Morocco celebrated reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2005, and a well-earned return to the global stage.
Egypt Survives Ghana Comeback to Win Penalty Thriller
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Egypt delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament. A first-half brace from Momen Sherif gave them a 2-0 cushion, but Ghana refused to go down quietly. The West Africans roared back, equalizing with a dramatic penalty in the 90+11th minute. Tensions rose further in extra time, with Ghana seeing red. When penalties arrived, Egypt held firm and emerged 5-4 winners in the shootout, booking their eighth semi-final appearance and sending fans into wild celebration.
South Africa Snatch Last Spot with Late Extra-Time Winner
The final ticket to the semi-finals was claimed by South Africa, who fought a tight, gritty battle against DR Congo. After 90 minutes of stalemate, the breakthrough finally came in the 109th minute. Thabang Mahlangu converted a low cross from Shakeel April to score the only goal of the game and seal a 1-0 win for South Africa. With that, South Africa joined the other three semi-finalists in confirming their place at the U20 World Cup.
From emotional exits to heroic moments, this year’s U20 AFCON has shown just how deep and promising the talent pool is across Africa. With the semi-finals now set and World Cup dreams alive, the continent’s next generation of stars is ready to shine on the world stage.
About the Author
Arpit Sharma is a sports writer and journalism student at Chandigarh University, with a strong interest in sports analysis and storytelling. His writing combines match insights with a fresh, fan-first perspective that brings the game to life.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Vygr's views.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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