Amajimbos lost 2-1 to Costa Rica in their first ever match of the FIFA World Cup U-17 at Estadio Municipal Ester Roa, out in Concepcion, Chile.
Amajimbos lost 2-1 to Costa Rica in their first ever match of the FIFA World Cup U-17 at Estadio Municipal Ester Roa, out in Concepcion, Chile. The South African back line seemed not to be in sync with each other as many a time there were gaps in the back.
A defensive error early in the match saw the first goal of the match when Kevin Masis found himself unmarked with a chance of goal in the 6th minute of the match.
South Africa found themselves chasing the Central American’s throughout the first half as they were not given any space to play. The match went into the break with Cost Rica leading 1-0.
In the second half, South Africa started like a house on fire as they attacked more, and won a few more set pieces, but made no use of them. Mayo had a few chances to level the score, but nothing came from those chances. In the 61st minute Mohamme was given a yellow card for the disruption of play or an intentional push in the box and Costa Rica were awarded a penalty. Andy Reyes did not hesitate and pull a second goal for his team.
Khanyisa Mayo had a golden chance to bring South Africa into the match, but his shot was too soft in easy for the keeper in the 67th minute. Coach Molefi Ntseki made a tactical substation in the 68th minute as he searched for a goal. Wiseman Meyiwa was taken off for Luvuyo Mkatshana.
Coach Molefi Ntseki then brought on Tebogo Qinisile in the 80th minute for Kobamelo Kodisang to try and spark some light into the midfield; this did pay off as Mayo finally found the back of the net in the 90th minute.
South Africa will now face Korea DPR in their second group E match on Thursday, 22 October 2015, at Estadio Municipal Ester Roa in Concepcion, Chile at 17:00.
South Africa: Mondli Mpoto; Reeve Frosler; Thendo Mukumela; Katlego Mohamme, Simon Nqoi; Athenkosi Dlala; Wiseman Meyiwa; Nelson Maluleke(c); Sibongakonke Mbatha; Kobamelo Kodisang; Khanyisa Mayo;
Subs: Sanele Tshabalala; Walter Kubheka; Riyaaz Ismail; Tebogo Qinisile; Dylan Stoffels; Sphephelo Sithole; Luvuyo Mkatshana ; Vuyo Mantjie
Costa Rica: Alejandro Barrientos; Pablo Arboine; Ian Smith; Esteban Gonzalez; Luis Hernandez (c); Andy Reyes; Jonathan Martinez; Roberto Cordaba; Hevin Masis; Daniel Villegas; Eduardo Juarez
Subs: Diego Mesen; Javier Camareno; Aaron Murillo; Barlon Sequeira; Sergio Ramirez; Miguel Aju; Brandon Salazar; Patrick Sequeira; Yostin Salinas; Alonso Solano
Match Officials: Referee: Mohd Bin Yaacob (MAS); 1ST Ass. Ref: Mohd Muhamad (MAS); 2nd Ass Ref: Azmen Ismail (MAS); 4th official: Stephan Klossner (SUI)