South Africa beat the USA 2-1 in their final Group E match at the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile to reach the knockout stages where they will take on Colombia in the Last 16.
The USA still progressed as Group E winners, but runners-up, South Africa progressed to the U20 World Cup knockout phase for the second time, having also reached this stage during the 2009 edition in Egypt.
Mfundo Vilakazi, who was named Man of the Match after South Africa’s win over New Caledonia on Friday, caught the eye with his creativity in the match against the USA.
The Kaizer Chiefs playmaker grabbed a secondary assist as his superb pass found Shakeel April, who set up Gomolemo Kekana and the latter scored what proved to be the winning goal in first-half added time.
Kekana, who is part of the Mamelodi Sundowns first team, stamped his authority in the middle of the park and gave SA the edge in the midfield battle.
While Fletcher Smythe-Lowe had a great game between the sticks, as the Etoril goalkeeper produced six saves to frustrate the Americans.
USA’s Adam Beaudry was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the second period, first denying Kekana’s long-range drive before a superb stop foiled Vilakazi late on.
