The stage is set for a thrilling U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal, as old rivals South Africa and Nigeria face off at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday.

Kick-off is at 5pm CAT.

With wins in their respective quarterfinals, both nations have qualified for the U-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile which will take place later this year.

Amajiita topped Group A on goal difference. After losing their first game to host-nation Egypt, they bounced back strongly with two victories and a draw to finish group play.

They snuck past the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their quarterfinal matchup on Monday, winning 1-0 courtesy of an extra time goal from substitute Thabang Mahlangu in the 109th minute.

Amajita are attempting to lift the trophy for the first time, with their best attempt being a silver medal in 1997 after a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Morocco in the final.

The Flying Eagles are undefeated in this year’s tournament, after finishing second in Group B with one victory and two draws.

They defeated Senegal 3-1 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in their quarterfinal on Monday.

Nigeria are looking to capture their eighth U-20 AFCON title and improve on their last performance which earned them a bronze medal in 2023.

This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides in the U-20 AFCON finals.

Nigeria defeated South Africa in the 2009 third-place playoff, but Amajita currently hold bragging rights after edging their last encounter on penalties to claim the bronze medal in 2019.