South Africa won their maiden CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Morocco in Sunday night’s final at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.

Gomolemo Kekana’s stunning second-half strike proved decisive, as the, Southern Africans claimed the trophy and rewrote history by overcoming a North African opponent in the tournament for the first time.

The only goal of the final came in the 70th minute when Kekana unleashed a powerful right-footed effort from outside the box, bending the ball into the top corner.

The goal, awarded after a VAR review, broke the deadlock in a tense contest dominated by tactical discipline and defensive organisation.

Kekana’s goal capped a superb tournament for South Africa, who had never reached a U-20 AFCON final since 1997, when they lost to Morocco.

This time, they flipped the script, avenging that defeat to lift the trophy and become the 12th different nation to win the title.

Both sides entered the final unbeaten, boasting some of the tournament’s best defensive records.

Morocco, the more fluid side in the first half, created better chances through Jones El Abdellaoui and Ilias Boumassaoudi, but South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe was once again in inspired form.

South Africa, who had grown into the competition after losing their opener to Egypt, showed resilience and patience.

Shakeel April and Mfundo Vilakazi had half chances, but neither side managed to find the net before the break.

The second half opened up with Morocco pushing forward, with Othmane Maamma and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal coming close.

However, the North Africans were wasteful in front of goal, and South Africa’s high pressing eventually paid dividends.

After Kekana’s wonder goal, South Africa soaked up pressure with commendable discipline.

Morocco threw men forward in search of an equaliser, but South Africa’s backline — led by Tylon Smith and Sfiso Timba — held firm.

South Africa’s victory marks their first-ever youth continental triumph and adds them to a growing list of recent debut winners, following Senegal’s 2023 success.

It also broke their jinx against North African opposition, ending a run of five previous defeats — all by a single goal margin.

Fletcher Lowe ended the tournament with the most saves (24), underlining South Africa’s defensive resolve.

Kekana’s goal was only their ninth of the campaign, but every strike proved crucial as they edged past DR Congo, Nigeria and now Morocco in the knockout rounds.

For Morocco, the defeat marks a missed opportunity to win a second title. They came into the final unbeaten in 14 U-20 AFCON matches in open play.

But Sunday’s loss — their first defeat of the tournament — was a bitter blow.

Despite impressive performances throughout the tournament, their wait for a second crown continues.(NAN)

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), says preparations are in top gear for the 12th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Swimming Championship slated for the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, from July 15 to July 19.

Chinoye Aliyu, president of the federation, said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja adding that the tournament will discover talents to represent the country.

“This championship is a cornerstone of our strategic plan to identify, nurture and prepare elite athletes who will represent Nigeria at international events.

“Recently, Nigeria made history by breaking two African records in the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle events at the Africa Junior Swimming Championships earlier this month (May).

“It is on the backdrop of these that we encourage swimmers below 18 years of age to register as the CNS tournament has both junior and senior or elite categories.

“We are also expecting a wide range of swimmers; from tertiary institutions, the para-military, states and clubs to register and participate in the tournament.

“The federation’s technical committee and national scouts will be on ground to evaluate performances and select exceptional swimmers for advanced training,’’ Aliyu said.

The President also lauded efforts of the Nigerian Navy and the CNS Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla for his continued support and collaboration towards discovering young talents in the sport.

“I want to particularly thank the Nigerian Navy for restoring the lost glory of swimming in Nigeria.

“Like I said earlier, we broke two records in Egypt, eventually clinching three golds and one bronze medal—an unprecedented feat in the nation’s swimming history.

“This was also due to the support from the CNS who released to us Lt.-Cdr. Labake Oriretan, a former champion and seasoned coach to guide the national team during the competition,” she said.

On his part, Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu, the chairman, Nigerian Navy Swimming Association, said the partnership has been worthwhile, stressing their continued support for the sport.

“We see supporting NAqF as one of our corporate social responsibility to the nation.

“For almost 14 years now, the Nigerian Navy has been part of this endeavour and we are constantly looking for ways to see how we can improve and contribute our quota.

“We will see how we can identify athletes to be able to participate in international events and also encourage open water swimming.

“Over the years, the collaboration has been worthwhile and we look forward to other areas we can support and partner in the future.

“The last edition was well attended and we look forward to a greater participation this year where we can have our youths express themselves,” Nwatu added.

Also in attendance at the event are Rear Adm. Yusuf Idris, the director of sports Nigerian Navy, Taiwo Oriss, the secretary general of NAqF, Dauda Usman, the vice president of NAqF, amongst others. (NAN)

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has declared Enugu City International Marathon as an annual event to aimed at harnessing the skills of the youths.

The state governor, who kicked off the 42 kilometre race with a gun sound at exactly 6.30am, emphasized the significance of the event, saying over 100 international athletes from around the world participated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the marathon which began from Mgbemena area of the state passed through Coal Camp Road, Independence Layout, Zik Avenue, Okpara Square, Presidential and NTA Roads, Market Square and Ebe Ano Tunnel Road.

Mbah also participated in the 10 kilometre race which kicked off at exactly 9:30am.

In the male and female categories, Kenyans took the first positions with the prize sum of $15,000 each, first runners up from Ethiopia, were given $10,000 each, 3rd positions smiled home with $5,000 each while other and consolation prizes were given to other athletes.

The governor expressed his profound joy for its success, noting that the race was ran alongside Nigeria’s top distance runners, making it the largest road race ever staged in southeastern Nigeria.

He added that the state hosted the marathon to make Enugu State a sporting hub for global competitions and activities

This, he said, would showcase the richness of the state and its hospitable disposition to the entire world and attracting over 3 million tourists into Enugu.

According to him, making the marathon an annual event will drive tourism, stimulate local businesses, and create lasting economic benefits as Enugu is open for tourism, investment, and world-class sporting events.

The event attracted the likes of former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, an legendary movie actor, Nkem Owo popularly known as Osuofia, among others.

The marathon featured live entertainment, including a performance by popular Nigerian artiste Kcee, transforming the event into a full-scale celebration of sport, music, and entertainment