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Siviwe Magidigidi, South Africa, September 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

France strike late to condemn South Africa to FIFA U20 World Cup opening defeat

The Europeans secured the slim win over the African representatives courtesy of a late second-half goal in a game that was also characterised by a number of missed chances. Amajita's focus now shifts to the next match, where they will face the tournament's debutants in search of their first win in this year's edition.

  • Steven Baseya, Gady Beyuku, France, September 2025Backpage

    Opening defeat

    South Africa suffered an opening defeat at the FIFA U20 World Cup after going down 2-1 to France in a Group E game at Estadio El Teniente on Monday night in Chile.

    Head coach Raymond Mdaka named Mamelodi Sundowns full-back Asekho Tiwani as the captain of the day, as he also mostly trusted the boys who delivered the U20 African Cup of Nations title a few months ago.

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  • Djylian N'Guessan, France, Tylon Smith, South Africa, September 2025Backpage

    Chances and goals

    France almost got an opening goal in the 11th minute, but Tadjidine Mmadi could not find the back of the net from a promising spot as he sent the ball wide.

    Amajita survived again when Mayssam Benama was denied by the woodwork in the 17th minute.

    However, France managed to break the deadlock in the 25th minute when Anthony Bermont scored from just inside the area.

    In less than ten minutes, South Africa fought back and equalised; Kutlwano Letlhaku was brought down by Elyaz Zidane, and Jody Ah Shene successfully converted the resultant penalty.

    Ten minutes into the second half, Lucas Michal almost scored the second goal for the Europeans, but he only managed to hit the side net. Two minutes later, he was superbly blocked by Amajita's Tylon Smith.

    Finally, Michal struck in the 80th minute to restore France's lead. The youngster turned on the edge of the box, drove inside, and struck powerfully into the bottom-right corner, handing his team the win.

  • Did you know

    South Africa's most recent U20 World Cup goal was also a penalty; James Monyane netted from the spot to earn a draw with Portugal at the 2019 finals in Poland.

    Elyaz Zidane, who brought down Letlhaku for South Africa's goal, is the youngest son of French legend Zinedine Zidane.

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  • Raymond Mdaka, South Africa U20 coachBackpage

    Amajita focus on next rival

    South Africa will next play against the tournament's debutants, New Caledonia, on Friday morning.

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