With South Africa having advanced to the quarter-finals at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, we look at three players who caught the eye during the group stages as Raymond Mdaka’s side edged Sierra Leone and hosts Egypt to pole position in Group A.

Neo Rapoo

The 19-year-old left-back missed Amajita’s Group A opener against Egypt in order to turn out for SuperSport United in their 1-1 draw at Polokwane City on April 26, but he has featured every minute in the tournament since then and took over the armband from captain Asekho Tiwani, who returned home after suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 defeat to the Young Pharaohs. Rapoo starred in the 4-1 victory over Sierra Leone on May 6, doubling his team’s lead on the hour mark and providing the assist for the first of Thabang Mahlangu’s two goals.

Gomolemo Kekana

The 18-year-old defensive midfielder was an ever-present for Amajita in the group stages and has performed consistently in his role as the shield to the back-four. Kekana stood out in the 1-0 defeat to Egypt as his tireless efforts helped limit the host nation to just one goal and he was solid once more in the victories over Tanzania and the Shooting Stars, while also putting in a decent performance in the 1-1 draw with Zambia which secured top spot in the group.

Shakeel April

The 19-year-old winger has given Mdaka food for thought after making an impact in his two starts against the Ngorongoro Boys and Sierra Leone. April made his first appearance of the tournament as a second-half substitute against Egypt and opened his account with the all-important goal against Tanzania before registering an assist in the rout of the Shooting Stars. He was relegated to the bench again for the clash with Junior Chipolopolo, but came on for the final 21 minutes, and will be challenging for a place in the starting line-up when Amajita lock horns with DR Congo in the quarter-finals on May 12.