WATCH: Kaizer Chiefs' Mfundo Vilakazi & Mamelodi Sundowns starlet Kutlwano Letlhaku combine brilliantly as South Africa frustrate Zambia to reach Afcon quarter-finals and keep Fifa World Cup dream alive

South Africa are through to the 2025 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations quarter-finals despite a 1-1 draw with Zambia at 30 June Air Defence Stadium on Friday.

Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Kutlwano Letlhaku thrust Amajita ahead eight minutes into the match by finishing a pass from Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mfundo Vilakazi.

Bonephanseo Phiri levelled matters three minutes later as he turned home a lovely cross from David Hamansenya, who had beaten two Amajita players.

The point gained saw Raymond Mdaka's boys removing Sierra Leone from the top of Group A, although the two sides both have seven points and are separated by goal difference.

Zambia are now out of the tournament despite not losing a single match after recording one win and three draws.

By reaching the last eight, Amajita are still on course to book a ticket for the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup to be hosted by Chile.

They just need to reach the semi-finals to secure a berth at the global competition.

Having a number of Premier Soccer League players in his squad, Mdaka appears to have the material that can take his side to Chile.

South Africa will now meet DR Congo in a quarter-final showdown at Suez Canal Stadium on Monday.

Their opponents finished third in Group C and qualified for the last eight as one of the best runners-up.