South Africa could finish first in Group A and book their place in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals when they face Zambia at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on Friday.

Kick-off is at 8pm CAT.

This will be the fourth clash between the two COSAFA nations at the U-20 AFCON.

Amajita have bounced back well after losing by a single goal to Egypt on the opening day of the tournament. They defeated Tanzania 1-0 before dismantling group leaders Sierra Leone 4-1 on Tuesday, and will be hoping to carry their run of form into their final group game.

Jody Ah Shene, Neo Rapoo and Thabang Mahlangu all contributed goals in South Africa’s impressive attacking display on Tuesday. Amajita have now scored five goals and conceded two across their three games in the competition so far.

South Africa currently sit second in Group A, one point behind Sierra Leone. A draw against Zambia would be enough to go top of the group on goal difference, provided Egypt fail to win by a five goal margin when they face Tanzania on Friday.

Even if they do not top the group, South Africa can go through to the knockout stage for the first time since 2019 with a draw or win against Zambia.

Should Amajita progress, it would be the first time since 1997 that they advanced after losing their opening game of the tournament.

Zambia remain undefeated in this years’ U-20 AFCON, having played out goalless draws in their first two games Sierra Leone and Egypt respectively. They registered their first goal and win of the tournament in their third game, beating Tanzania 1-0.