The National U23 Men’s Team beat Tunisia 4-0 in their first of two friendly matches out in Tunis on Friday afternoon. The South Africans had the majority of possession in the first half with Keagan Dolly controlling the game from any and every position he found himself in.
Although the weather in the capital city of Tunisia was scorching hot the South African national u23 team made their intentions clear within the first 10 minutes of the match winning themselves 2 corner kicks. A deadly combination of Masuku, Ntshangase, Mothiba and Dolly created numerous scoring opportunities for South Africa but the North Africans had their keeper to thank for keeping them in the match.
Ntshangase should have opened the scoring from a set piece in the 16th minute but wide. Lebo Mothiba raised his hand and asked to be counted for the future as he opened the scoring in the 27th minute after some great team work. Gift Motupa shot from range in the 41st minute and the ball deflected off a Tunisian defender and straight into the back off the net. South Africa went into half time leading 2-0.
Coach Da Gama made a tactical substitution in the 54th minute to shut the back door when left back Seun Ledwaba came on for centre back Denwin Farmer. In the 61st ODG made a double substitution when Zitha Macheke came on for Siyabonga Dube and Khayelithe Shozi came on for Siphelele Ntshangase.
Lebo Mothiba may just be the solution to the scoring drought in the South African game as he scored his brace in the 63rd minute of the match and was taken off minutes later as he had played his part, Patel replaces him. Dolly was also given a rest in the 70th minute when Deolin Mekoa came on for the last 20 minutes of the match.
Patel also wanted his name on the score sheet when he played a beauty into the back of the net in the 82nd minute of the match. Goss closed off the game with 2 world class saves in the 87th minute as the South African defense went to sleep and gave the hosts a chance at goal. The National u23 Men’s Team will play another friendly match against Tunisia on Monday 7 September 2015 at 17:00 at the very same Stade Olympique d’El Menzah.
South Africa: Ricardo Goss; Kwanda Mngonyama (c ) Siyabong Dube; Tshepo Rikhotso; Denwin Farmer; Gift Motupa; Lebogang Phiri; Keagan Dolly; Menzi Masuku; Siphelele Ntshangase; Lebo Mothiba
Subs: Mbulelo Ngqobo; Zitha Macheke; Thabo Makhele; Tebogo Moerane; Seun Ledwaba; Khayelihle Shozi; Deolin Mekoa; Zaid Patel; Dumisani Zuma