Twenty-eight years after their first TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON continental showdown in the final, Morocco and South Africa will meet once again in a repeat of the 1997 final when they clash on Sunday in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title decider Egypt.

That 1997 encounter ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Morocco, sealing their first and only TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON crown. Now, nearly three decades later, the Young Atlas Lions will be aiming to recapture that historic success, while South Africa are determined to turn the tables and claim their maiden continental title at this level.

Both teams punched their tickets to the final with gritty 1-0 wins in Thursday?s semi-finals.

South Africa saw off Nigeria thanks to a header from Michael Smith, while Morocco overcame tournament hosts Egypt, courtesy of a composed finish from Jones El Abdellaoui.

Morocco have impressed with their defensive solidity and tactical cohesion, boasting a run of clean sheets in the knockout stages. Led by a confident backline and opportunistic forwards, they carry momentum and the weight of history into Sunday?s clash.

South Africa, meanwhile, have grown in strength as the tournament has progressed.

Their victory over a highly-rated Nigerian side was a statement of intent, and coach Vela Khumalo?s charges will be desperate to lift the trophy that narrowly eluded them in 1997, just a year after their seniors lifted the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON on home soil.

With continental glory, pride, and redemption at stake, the final is poised to deliver a captivating battle between two nations with unfinished business on the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON stage. (CAF Online)

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