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U-20 AFCON: South Africa coach Raymond Mdaka ready for Flying Eagles challenge

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U-20 AFCON: South Africa coach Raymond Mdaka ready for Flying Eagles challenge

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The head coach of South Africa U-20 team, Raymond Mdaka says all teams that qualified for the 2025 African Cup of Nations should be respected.

He opined that they needed their flowers for making it to the tournament irrespective of where they found themselves after the draw ceremony last week.

Amajita will face Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco in Group B.

“We long waited for the draw just for us to know where we are, who we are playing,” He said.

“We knew the teams that already qualified for AFCON, but we wanted to check where we are, and we have seen the draw.

“I think all the groups because they qualified. They need respect of some kind, and we are fine with the group that we have.

“We will prepare ourselves and will be able to play.” He concluded.

The tournament will take place in Cote d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18, 2025.

Flying Eagles finished third at the last edition and reached the quarter-final of the World Cup.

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Oluwaseun Oyediji
Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.