The South African u17 Men’s National Team, Amajimbos, is disappointed with the goalless draw against China in the BRICS u17 Football Cup currently underway in Goa, India.
South Africa and China met on Sunday, 9 October at the Bambolim Stadium.
Amajimbos created numerous scoring chances but failed to convert any, leaving them with four points after two matches while China managed to get their first point of the tournament after three games.
South Africa u17 striker Lyle Foster says the whole team is not happy with the result.
“As an individual I missed chances which on another day I would have easily buried, I am disappointed because I know I can do better. As for the entire team it was a huge disappointment to get only one point from the match because the players from China were very tired as this was their third match, and only our second, we should have taken advantage,” said Foster.
“But it happens in football where we create many chances but don’t convert. We did well except for the lack of goals. The opportunities were there, but the final touch, the decision making and finishing were just not there. It’s good to get a point than lose all three and in that way we don’t fall too far behind on the table as we are eyeing the final of this tournament.”
Amajimbos face Brazil on Tuesday, 11 October in a late match (it has been moved from afternoon to evening – 12h30 to 16h30 SA time).
Brazil has won their last two matches beating both China and Russia.
“I watched Brazil’s game against Russia on Sunday, they are a good team but if we apply the plan we have for them, if we implement it to perfection, then we will come out victorious. Should we beat Brazil and do the same with Russia then we will make it to the final. The draw against China may have derailed us but it hasn’t stopped us from going ahead with our mission of reaching the final,” added Foster.
“We need to make our mark in this tournament. Knowing we did not win the COSAFA CUP and did not beat Tanzania in the CAF Africa Youth Championship qualifiers, we would like to show that we missed out on those two competitions mainly because of our mistakes. This tournament as a whole is a great platform for any junior national teams, and we really appreciate being part of it. We just hope we can go all the way and lift the trophy.”
Brazil is top of the five-team table after collecting six points from two matches, followed by Russia who have also registered two wins from three games. South Africa is third with four points, while China lie fourth following their goalless draw against Amajimbos.
Hosts India are bottom of table with no points after two outings.
The tournament runs until Saturday, 15 October.
BRICS u17 FOOTBALL CUP RESULTS:
Round Robin Stage – Bambolin Ground
| Wednesday, 5 October | ||||
| China | 0 | – | 2 | Brazil |
| Russia | 1 | – | 0 | India |
| South Africa | 1 | – | 0 | India |
| China | 1 | – | 4 | Russia |
| Brazil | 2 | – | 0 | Russia |
| South Africa | 0 | – | 0 | China |
UPCOMING FIXTURES
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)