Tonight, all eyes turn to Estadio Fiscal as South Africa’s Amajita take on Colombia in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile , a meeting that feels like a moment of reckoning for the African champions.

Coming off a thrilling 2–1 win over the United States, South Africa arrive with momentum, belief, and the kind of unity that has carried them through a tricky group stage. Against the Americans, Raymond Mdaka’s side showed real grit,  falling behind early, forcing an equaliser through a Joshua Wynder own goal, and sealing the victory through Gomolemo Kekana’s composed finish. The result not only secured second place in their group ahead of France, but also underlined the growing maturity in this young side.

Mdaka was full of praise for his players’ resilience after the match. “They showed that they are African champions,” he said. “Playing against the USA, who had been scoring freely, looked like a mountain to climb. But as a team we agreed to show what we can do together ,and that character, that discipline, is what got us through.”

Discipline will again be the theme tonight. Colombia, though not spectacular in the group stage, finished top of Group F with five points, an indication of their defensive structure and game management. They are difficult to break down, but South Africa’s tactical compactness and speed in transition could be their best weapon.

Mdaka has also spoken about the spirit that drives this team. “Even though we’re far from home, it feels like the whole country is behind us,” he said. “We promised South Africa that we’d give everything, and that’s exactly what these players are doing. The unity we have is what makes us strong.”

That unity has already been translated into history. The victory over the USA marked the first time any South African national team has won two matches at a FIFA World Cup. It’s also Amajita’s first Round of 16 appearance since 2009, when Serame Letsoaka’s side fell 2–1 to Ghana after extra time.

For Mdaka and his charges, this tournament has already met its initial target  to escape the group stage , but the ambitions have since shifted. “From here, we don’t play for draws,” Mdaka noted. “We play for results. We want to show that we are South Africa, and we are here to compete.”

Amajita’s journey continues tonight in Talca. It’s not just another knockout match, it’s a chance to stretch the limits of what’s possible for South African youth football.