South Africa reached the final of the CAF U-17 Championship for the first time after edging Nigeria 1-0 in the semi-finals at the Stade Seyni Kountche in Niamey on Wednesday.

A goal in the 26th minute by striker Khanyisa Eric Mayo, son of former Bafana Bafana star Patrick Mayo, decided the tie.

The Amajimbos, whose best result in the tournament until now was a fourth-placed finish in 2005, will tackle the winner of tomorrow's between Mali and Guinea in the final on Sunday.

Despite the defeat two-time champions Nigeria will still be at the World Cup in October to represent Africa alongside the other semi-finalists in this tournament.

The South Africans put up a gritty display especially in the second half to deny the desperate Nigerians as they searched for an equaliser.

In both halves Golden Eaglets danger man Victor Osimhen and Chukwueze Samuel were through on goal only to be foiled by the excellent Amajimbos net-minder Mondli Mpoto.

Nigeria will play the losing side in the other semi-final on Saturday for the third place medal.

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