Cinderella Team South Africa Shock Nigeria In CAF Under 17 Championship Semi Final

World champions Nigeria will not contest the final of the CAF Under 17 Championship after losing 1 - 0 to unheralded South Africa in the last four of the tourney.

South Africa number 17 Khanyisa Eric Erick Mayo scored the game - winner 26 minutes into the first half.

Before then, the Golden Eaglets would have taken the lead if Chukwueze Samuel had converted his scoring opportunity in the 14th minute, while Orji Okonkwo narrowly missed target just after the hour mark.

Three minutes after the interval, tournament leading scorer Kelechi Nwakali tested the goalkeeper from distance, but his shot was saved by Mondli Mpoto.

Desperately searching for an equalizer, coach Emmanuel Amuneke introduced two strikers -  Orlu Football Academy ace Christian Charles in the 66th minute and Suleiman Mohammed. three minutes later.

But it was defender Abbas Usman that came closest to scoring after the changes, with his 83rd minute effort saved by the goalie.

Nigeria will play the loser of the other semi - final tie between Mali and Guinea in the third place match on Sunday, March 1.