By Levy Masiteng
Africa United have conquered Spain, with the South African youth side crowned champions of the 2026 Madrid Elite U20 International Cup after overcoming Spanish opposition in a dramatic final.
Africa United secured the title on Sunday, defeating Albacete Balompié in a penalty shootout at Campo La Mina in Carabanchel, Madrid, after the final could not be separated in regulation time.
The tournament organisers officially confirmed Africa United as champions, with Albacete finishing runners-up.
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The triumph capped an impressive campaign for Africa United, who arrived in Spain determined to test themselves against some of the country’s youth football talent and left Madrid with the trophy and one of the tournament’s biggest individual awards.
Africa United’s route to the final was built on a strong group-stage campaign.
They opened their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano A on 14 August before producing a commanding 6-0 victory over Madrid Euro Soccer Academy the following day. They also drew 1-1 with Albacete Balompié.
Those results saw Africa United finish second in Group A with five points from three matches, scoring eight goals and conceding only two.
They remained unbeaten throughout the group stage, conceding only two goals in three matches.
The knockout stage provided an even bigger test.
Africa United faced CD Alameda in the second semi-final on Sunday morning at Campo La Mina. The match was scheduled for 11am, with the winners advancing to the afternoon final against the winners of Albacete Balompié and RCD Carabanchel.
Africa United’s ability to navigate the pressure of the knockout rounds ultimately proved decisive as they reached the final and faced an Albacete side they had already encountered in the group stage.
The final, played at 1pm on Sunday, went all the way to penalties. Africa United held their nerve when it mattered most to claim the championship and complete an unbeaten tournament.
Ohhiria Unoisejiolagbon was named the tournament’s best player, another major recognition for the South African delegation and a sign of the quality within the squad.
