The South African u20 national team Amajita qualified for the 20th Edition of the u20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament which will take place in Zambia after walloping Lesotho 3-0 in the second leg played at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Saturday to complete a 5-0 aggregate win.
South Africa…………..(0) 3
Lesotho…………………..0
(South Africa wins 5-0 on aggregate and qualify for the u20 AFCON tourney in Zambia)
The South African u20 national team Amajita qualified for the 20th Edition of the u20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament which will take place in Zambia after walloping Lesotho 3-0 in the second leg played at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Saturday to complete a 5-0 aggregate win.
After winning the first 2-0 in Lesotho, it was always going to take a monumental collapse by South Africa for Lesotho to overturn the first leg deficit and although the visitors sporadically threatened in the first half, it was the home side that could have gone to the break leading by at least three goals.
But suspense in front of goals saw industrious Sibongakonke Mbatha and Matlala Makgalwa miss some great opportunities in the opening stanza.
First Mbatha saw his brilliant rising shot go over the bar with Lesotho goalkeeper well beaten and moments later Makgalwa’s header was cleared off the line as Amajita launched wave after wave of attacks.
Just before the break, Makgalwa’s low shot was again saved from crossing the line as Lesotho’s defence started to show signs of tiring under relentless onslaught.
However, nothing was going to deny Liam Jordan the opening goal soon after resumption with a well-taken low show and from there onwards, it was one-way traffic.
The hard-running Mbatha was soon on the score sheet to make it 2-0 for the home side and 4-0 on aggregate and when Sidney Mtshweni scored the third towards the dying minutes, the rout was complete and in commanding fashion.
“We worked hard for this win and I want to thank the SAFA leadership of Dr Danny Jordaan for investing heavily in youth programmes and results of all youth teams are there for all to see. Vision 2022 is fast taking shape and this is what is needed for South Africa to be a dominant force.
I also want to thank the Premier Soccer League whose clubs were very cooperative. Together we will achieve a lot,” said an elated Thabo Senong coach of Amjita.
Senong said the aim now was to qualify for the World Cup in South Korea and will do so via Zambia.
Amajita 11:
Mondli Mpoto (G), Teboho Mokoena, Katlego Mohamme, Sidney Mtshweni, Matlala Makgalwa, Sibongakonke Mbatha, Liam Jordan, Thendo Mukumela, Reeve Frosler, Tercious Malepe (captain), Kobamelo Kodisang
Lesotho 11:
Monaheng Ramalefane (G), Relebohile Thulo, Lekhooa Khoete, Mohai Mohai, Lepolesa Tekane, Thabo Mongali, Tsepo Toloane (captain), Lesia Thetsane, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Rasetabele Kalosane, Raboama Koloti