As the world turns its attention to Chile for the much-anticipated U-20 FIFA World Cup, two African giants—South Africa’s Amajita and Morocco’s Atlas Cubs—are ready to make their mark on the global stage. Both teams kick off their campaigns tonight, brimming with hope, determination, and a sense of unity that’s been years in the making. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the excitement is palpable among fans and players alike.
For Amajita, South Africa’s under-20 squad, the journey to Chile has been nothing short of remarkable. Fresh off their triumph at the junior Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in May 2025, where they clinched the continental title, the team arrives at the Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua with confidence to spare. Their opening match against France, set for 10 p.m. local time on September 29, 2025, is more than just a game—it’s a statement of intent.
Goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe, a pivotal figure in Amajita’s recent success, couldn’t hide his optimism ahead of the tournament opener. “We are all very confident. I mean, individual accolades are nice, but it would not have been possible without everyone in the team, from defence to attack. Our defensive unit is powerful and the team in general is gelling really well,” Smythe-Lowe shared. His words echo the spirit that propelled the team through tough qualification rounds and a memorable AFCON campaign.
What’s the secret behind Amajita’s resurgence? According to Smythe-Lowe, it’s all about unity. “The values we have and the unity we’ve developed are a result of everybody. The environment that the coach [Raymond Madaka] has presented for us has developed over two years now. From the first camp in Lesotho, we’ve developed really well. We are a cohesive unit, we are close together and that’s going to be a good thing going abroad and performing at the highest level.”
This cohesion will be put to the test in Group E, where South Africa faces not only France but also the United States and New Caledonia. It’s a group that offers both challenges and opportunities. After their clash with France, Amajita will take on New Caledonia on Friday, October 3, before wrapping up the group phase against the US on Sunday, October 5. Each match carries the weight of national pride and the chance to advance to the knockout stages.
Smythe-Lowe, ever the team player, emphasized the collective goal: “It’s obviously massive because the number one thing we have to do is go there and perform to make the country proud. We must just put in our all and if individual players or a combination of players get recognition from that, that’s all we can use for. But our primary objective is to go there and play for our country and the badge that is on our shirt and make them proud.”
Meanwhile, Morocco’s Atlas Cubs are preparing for a return to the U-20 World Cup after a two-decade absence. Their first test? A formidable Spanish side at the Julio Martinez Pradanos Stadium in Santiago, with kickoff at 9 p.m. Moroccan time. The anticipation in Rabat and across Morocco is electric, as the nation hopes for a triumphant comeback on the world stage.
Morocco’s path to Chile was paved with determination and resilience. The team secured their spot by finishing as runners-up at the U20 AFCON in Egypt earlier this year, a result that signaled their intent to compete with the world’s best. This appearance marks Morocco’s fourth at the U-20 World Cup, a milestone that carries both historical significance and a sense of unfinished business.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has meticulously assembled a 21-man squad, blending experience with youthful exuberance. The squad was finalized earlier this month, but last-minute changes tested the team’s adaptability. On September 27, the Moroccan Football Federation announced that Ilyass Mahssoub would join the squad, replacing Hamza Koutoune after FC Annecy in France declined to release Koutoune for international duty. Mahssoub, who plies his trade with Union Sportive Musulmane d’Oujda, now has the chance to make an impact on the biggest stage of his young career.
Morocco’s Group C is nothing short of a gauntlet, featuring perennial powerhouses Spain, Mexico, and Brazil. The Atlas Cubs know they’ll need to be at their very best from the first whistle. Yet, the sense of occasion and the pride of representing Morocco after a twenty-year World Cup absence infuse the squad with extra motivation.
Tonight’s match against Spain, broadcast on beIN Sports and FIFA+, is more than just a football game—it’s a celebration of Moroccan football’s resurgence and a testament to the hard work of players, coaches, and federation officials. The Atlas Cubs are eager to show the world that they belong among the elite, and fans back home are dreaming of a deep tournament run.
Both Amajita and the Atlas Cubs are drawing inspiration from their continental campaigns. South Africa’s unity and Morocco’s resilience have become rallying cries for their respective squads. The road ahead is fraught with challenges—formidable opponents, high expectations, and the pressure of performing on a global stage—but neither team is backing down.
As the U-20 World Cup unfolds in Chile, the spotlight will be on these young African stars. Can Amajita’s cohesion carry them past the group stage? Will Morocco’s return to the tournament spark a new golden era for North African football? The answers remain to be seen, but one thing is certain: both teams are ready to give it their all, playing not just for themselves, but for the millions of supporters who believe in their dreams.
With the opening whistle just hours away, excitement is reaching fever pitch. The world will be watching as South Africa and Morocco take their first steps in pursuit of World Cup glory. For now, the journey continues, and the hopes of two nations ride on the shoulders of their talented youth.