The South African u17 Men’s National Team, Amajimbos, defied the odds and won their opening match of the BRICS u17 Football Cup with a 1-0 win over India.
Amajimbos did not have enough time to acclimatize and as they had arrived the night before their first match.
The match took place at the Bambolin Stadium in Goa, India on Friday, 7 October.
As expected, the encounter started at a slow pace as both sides were sizing each other.
India was playing their second – they lost the first 1-0 to Russia on the opening day of the tournament (Wednesday, 5 October).
The clash was initially scheduled for the afternoon (12h30 SA time) but was moved to a later time of 20h00 (17h30 SA time) to allow the visitors time to rest after they only landed in Goa on Thursday night – just one day before their first match.
Amajimbos did not show much fatigue as expected and were able to withstand the constant attack from India who were in need of a victory.
South Africa made it count in the 22nd minute when Ndamulelo Radzilani headed in a cross from the left to give the visitors the lead.
The home side continued to launch attack after attack but found the Amajimbos resolute and that’s how it stayed until the break.
The second half started at a higher pace with both teams having a go at each other – India looking for an equaliser while South Africa pushed for a goal to consolidate their lead.
Both goalkeepers were kept busy with the game moving from end to end.
Amajimbos made substitutions bringing on Sthembiso Kurata and Sifundo Nkosi for Sabelo Radebe and goal scorer Ndamulelo Radzilani.
India brought on Lalengmawia, Joysana Singh and Abhijit Sarkar for Komal Thatai, Anil Jadhav and Aman Chetri respectively.
But the score line remained the same with South Africa starting on a positive note.
This was India’s second loss and they will have to do better if they want to reach the final.
Amajimbos next face China on Sunday, 9 October at the same venue.
Kickoff is at 20h00 (16h30 SA Time).
In an earlier match Russia u17 showed China flames by beating them 4-1.
This is how they lined up:
India u17:
Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem (GK), Boris Singh Thangjam, Jitendra Singh, Sanjeev Stalin, Suresh Singh Wangjam (C), Khumanthem Ninthoinganban Meetei, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Aman Chetri, Komal Thatai, Aniket Anil Jadhav, Mohamad Rakip
Subs:
Mohammed Sarif Khan, Lalengmawiwa, Saurabh Meher, Narender, Abhijit Sarkar, Nongthombam Joysana Singh, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Tamal Naskar (GK), Hendry Antonay, Rajil Saji, Shubham Sarangi
South Africa:
Glen Baadjies, Mswati Mavuso, Luke Fleurs, Nkanyiso Shinga, Mjabulise Mkhize, Sabelo Radebe, Ndamolelo Radzilani, Luke Le Roux (C), S’miso Bophela, Lyle Foster, Thabo Mokwena
Subs:
Tshepo Mohui (GK), Rhuwano Wynne (GK), Sechaba Mokoena, Jaqueel de Jager, Lethabo Mazibuko, Tyrees Pillay, Kabelo Makola, Mpho Mahlangu, Sifundo Nkosi, Sithembiso Kurata
BRICS u17 FOOTBALL CUP RESULTS:
Round Robin Stage – Bambolin Ground
| Wednesday, 5 October | ||||
| China | 0 | – | 2 | Brazil |
| Russia | 1 | – | 0 | India |
| Friday, 7 October | ||||
| China | 1 | – | 4 | Russia |
| South Africa | 1 | – | 0 | India |
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Sunday, 9 October
Brazil vs Russia, 16h00
South Africa vs China, 20h00 (16h30 SA Time)
Tuesday, 11 October
India vs China, 16h00
Brazil vs South Africa, 20h00 (16h30 SA Time)
Thursday, 13 October
Russia vs South Africa, 16h00 (12h30 SA Time)
India vs Brazil, 20h00
3rd & 4th Place Play Off – PJN Stadium Fatorda
Saturday, 15 October
Group 3rd Place vs Group 4th Place, 10h00 (06h30 SA Time)
FINAL – PJN Stadium Fatorda
Saturday, 15 October
Group Winner vs Group Runner Up, 15h30 (12h00 SA Time)