South Africa claimed a dramatic and hard-earned 1-0 win (after extra time) over DR Congo in a U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Monday night.

Thabang Mahlangu scored the only goal of the 120-minute match, with Amajita moving into the semifinals of the tournament in Egypt, as well as securing qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup which will be held in Chile later this year.

South Africa started brightly and created the first clear chance of the match in the early minutes, working space for Shakeel April down the right side of the penalty area, though he opted for a shot and missed the target, rather than looking to cross for teammates in the middle.

DR Congo offered a potent threat of their own, with their best chance of the first half seeing Samuel Ntanda have a shooting chance in the penalty area, but his effort was heroically blocked by Amajita defender Siviwe Nkwali.

South Africa coach Raymond Mdaka opted for a double change at the start of the second half, introducing Patrick Autata and Langelihle Phili off the bench in an effort to take greater control of the game.

Yet the Young Leopards proved a difficult opponent to quell, as they had several threatening moments through the second stanza – though none were truly troublesome for Amajita goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe.

SA had a great chance to break the deadlock from a counter attack in the 84th minute, but Phili saw his goal-bound shot blocked almost on the line by defender Dieu Kalonji.

The match went to extra time, and in the dying minutes of the first half DRC had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down.

Amajita then broke up field from defending a corner kick, with April doing great work down the right before crossing for substitute Thabang Mahlangu, who kept his composure in the box before finishing from close range for 1-0.

South Africa survived a couple of scares in the second half of extra time, as DRC sought a way back into the game, but ultimately the men in gold and green were able to hold out for a narrow but famous victory.

SA will face Nigeria in the first U-20 AFCON semifinal, set for Thursday 15 May at the Suez Canal Stadium.

South Africa U-20 (0) (0) 1 (Mahlangu 105+4’)

DR Congo U-20 0

(After extra time)

SA: F. Lowe, S. Timba, T. Smith, S. Nkwali, T. Sibiya (L. Phili 46’), L. Maku, G. Kekana, S. April (K. Lethlaku 112’), F. Abrahams (P. Autata 46’), N. Rapoo, J. Ah Shene (T. Mahlangu 77’)

DRC: R. Tutu, D. Mukandila, D. Kalonji, D. Tshilanda, D. Lukombe (M. Tshimanga 87’), N. Makanza (T. Malasi 67’), J. Ahoka (G. Katungula 110’), F. Efuele, F. Bongeli (M. Manitu 67’), S. Ntanda (I. Lufuiku 86’ [K. Makoko 119’]), I. Matobo