Rancagua, Chile – 3 October 2025
South Africa’s U20 side, the Amajita, produced a commanding performance on Friday to secure a 5–0 win over New Caledonia at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, keeping their hopes of advancing from the group stage alive.
After suffering a narrow 2–1 defeat to France in their opening match, this fixture was a must-win encounter for coach Raymond Mdaka’s side. They rose to the occasion with a dominant display of possession football and relentless attacking intent, handing New Caledonia a second heavy defeat of the tournament following their 9–1 loss to the United States earlier in the week.
Match Overview
South Africa quickly asserted their dominance, enjoying 70% possession and racking up an astonishing 38 attempts on goal, compared to just two from their Oceania opponents.
The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute when Siviwe Nkwali rose highest to nod home from close range after sustained pressure. Just nine minutes later, Amajita doubled their lead from the penalty spot, with Shakeel April calmly converting after Siviwe Magidigidi was brought down in the box.
Magidigidi then turned scorer himself, netting on the stroke of half-time to give South Africa a comfortable 3–0 lead at the break.
In the second half, the pressure continued. Magidigidi struck again in the 52nd minute with a composed finish inside the box, before substitute Lazola Maku rounded off the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike in the 80th minute to seal the emphatic victory.
Group C Permutations
The win lifts South Africa to second place in Group C, but progression is far from secure. Elsewhere in the group, the United States shocked France with a 3–0 victory, leaving the pool finely balanced heading into the final round of matches.
- USA top the standings with six points and a +11 goal difference.
- South Africa and France sit on three points each, with goal differences of +4 and -2 respectively.
For Amajita to advance, they must defeat the USA in their final group match, while also hoping that France – who are widely expected to beat New Caledonia – do not overturn their goal-difference deficit. If both South Africa and France win, all three sides will finish on six points, making goal difference the decisive factor.
Key Statistics
- Possession: South Africa 70.2% – New Caledonia 29.8%
- Shot Attempts: South Africa 38 – New Caledonia 2
- Shots on Goal: South Africa 11 – New Caledonia 2
The figures underline the extent of South Africa’s dominance, with New Caledonia rarely threatening after an early attempt that was comfortably saved.
What’s Next
South Africa face their biggest test yet when they take on match favourites USA in their final group fixture. With their destiny tied not only to their own result but also to France’s margin of victory against New Caledonia, Amajita know that every goal will count.
For now, though, the emphatic 5–0 win provides the spark of momentum they needed — and keeps their World Cup dream alive heading into the final round.
📌 Final Score: South Africa U20 5–0 New Caledonia U20
⚽ Goals: Nkwali (25’), April (34’ pen), Magidigidi (44’, 52’), Maku (80’)
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