Record-breaking Amajita power into the Round of 16 at FIFA U20 Men’s World Cup

The South U20 Men’s National team, Amajita, made history by becoming the first South African National team to win two matches at a FIFA World Cup.

Raymond Mdaka’s side defeated group favourites USA 2-1 in a pulsating last Group E match at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile on Sunday.

The Americans took the lead through Noah Cobb in the 14th minute, but the response was swift from the African Champions – taking only three minutes to restore parity. This after forward Siviwe Magidigidi forced an own goal from Joshua Wynder, thanks to a delightful cross from defender Thato Sibiya. The later was introduced into the starting line-up, and was making his first appearance in the tournament, taking the place of Langelihle Phili in the only change made by Mdaka.

Amajita doubled their lead in referee’s optional time – Player of the Match, Gomolemo Kekana finding the back of the net from a cut back by Shakeel April with the USA defence in disarray.

There was no change on the scoreline in the second half, with South Africa successfully protecting their lead until the final whistle to register a famous win. This was their second victory in the tournament after thumping New Caledonia 5-0 in the previous fixture.

With the result, Amajita become the first South African national team to win two matches at a FIFA World Cup – this is also the first time since 2009 in Egypt (under Serame Letsoaka) that they have progressed to the Round of 16 where they lost 2-1 to Ghana after extra time.

Amajita have now managed to earn at least a point in each and every FIFA World Cup tournament they have played in since 1997, 2009, 2017, 2019, 2025.

“Let me congratulate the boys, they showed character, showed they are the African Champions. It was not an easy game playing the USA who had already won two games with a number of goals, so it looked like it was a mountain to climb but then we agreed as a team to say let’s show what we can do as a team. We showed character by scoring in the first half and had to play the second half and be able to manage the game under pressure. Credit to the boys, credit to the technical team, the support staff and everybody because the atmosphere always gives the boys energy to go and here we are going into the second round,” said a delighted Mdaka.

This was a big triumph for South Africa who came into the match needing either a win, a draw or not to lose by a very big margin to progress into the Round of 16.

They grabbed victory and ended second in Group E behind the USA, while France dropped to third position – all three nations finished on six points each. The French concluded the group stage with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia who exited the tournament with three defeats.

Amajita travel to Tulca to face Colombia in the Round of 16 – the South Americans finished top of Group F. The clash takes place on Wednesday (8 October) at Estadio Fiscal. The USA will be up against Italy on Thursday in Rancagua while France will tackle Japan in Santiago.