On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, a thrilling Round of 16 matchup at the FIFA U-20 World Cup unfolded in Talca, Chile, between South Africa and Colombia. Supporters of both teams were treated to very entertaining action. Colombia, which demonstrated aggressive attacking play throughout the tournament, came away with a victory over South Africa (3-1) and advanced to the quarterfinals.
Game Info
In the initial stages of the match, both teams appeared to have opportunities to open the scoring, but Colombia ultimately gained the advantage as they put together some crosses that resulted in counterattacks. Both goalkeepers made a variety of saves to keep the play balanced in the opening period.
Joel Canchimbo (Colombia) created a terrific opportunity from a fast break to make it 1-0 in the 7th minute and score the opening goal of the match. Neiser Villarreal (Colombia) added to the scoring in the second half with a penalty kick conversion in the 51st minute to lead by two. South Africa’s Mfundo Vilakazi scored in the second half in the 63rd minute to make it 2-1, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive. However, Villarreal improved the Colombian lead with his second goal in stoppage time (90’+3), assisted by Jhon Rentería.
Colombia outperformed South Africa, but South Africa maintained slightly more possession (55.3% vs 44.7%) and total shots (19 total shots vs 18 total shots). The ability and finishing to score goals, combined with both goalkeepers maintaining stands at different times, ultimately led to Colombia’s victory.
What went wrong for South Africa?
There were multiple reasons for South Africa’s inability to win. For example, they struggled to deal with the pace of the Colombian attack, particularly with Colombia’s quick tempo, and they often found themselves with defensive breakdowns that allowed for great chances on goal. Finishing also played a role, since South Africa was not very efficient with their chances, at one point heading over from a great opportunity up close, while also being a little hesitant to take a chance as well. Even though South Africa was creating some opportunities, their reaction time and positioning to make plays helped allow Colombia to be more opportunistic with their chances. In contrast to South Africa’s execution, Colombia’s finishing was much more efficient and had a better awareness of the moment, while South Africa did not look to have the cutting edge necessary to seize their moment against a very good Colombian team.
