The South African u17 Men’s National Team, Amajimbos, will face Brazil in the final of the inaugural BRICS u17 Football Cup.

The South African u17 Men’s National Team, Amajimbos, will face Brazil in the final of the inaugural BRICS u17 Football Cup.

Amajimbos defeated Russia 3-1 on Thursday, 13 October 2016 with goals from Lyle Foster, Mswati Mavuso and Luke Le Roux.

The clash took place at the Bambolin Stadium in Goa, India.

Brazil and South Africa will face each other on Saturday, 15 October at 15h30.

It will be played at the Fatorda Stadium, kicking off at 15h30 local time (12h00 SA time).

Russia and China will battle it out for third place on the same day at the same venue – starting at 10h00 local time (06h30 SA time).

The match between Amajimbos and Russia started at a slow pace with both teams struggling under the intense heat, but it soon turned into a contest as both went in search for goals.

A draw would have been enough for Russia to play in the final as they were sitting on six points at the beginning of the match – two ahead of South Africa, meaning Amajimbos needed an outright victory to overtake the Europeans in second spot.

South Africa took the lead in the 19th minute through Lyle when he got a through ball and coolly slotted in.

In the 29th minute Amajimbos almost conceded a silly goal when goalkeeper Glen Baadjies tried to clear the ball but it was blocked by a Russian forward and nearly trickled into the net, but the goal minder recovered quickly to save the ball.

Amajimbos lost concentration at referee’s optional time when Skrobotov Ilia rose the highest to head in the equaliser.

Nine minutes after the break South Africa restored their lead through defender Mswati Mavuso with a powerful shot that hit the roof of the net.

In the 67th minute South Africa found themselves in a spot of bother when Russia could have easily scored but the players missed the ball with the goal begging.

Captain Luke Le Roux saved the best for last when he struck in the 82nd second minute with a long-range thunderous shot that gave Sangare David in the Russia goals no chance and had the entire stadium clapping hands.

It could easily have been four – Foster beat the Russian defence in the 87th minute but could not get his ball past the keeper.

It was a workmanlike performance from the South Africa after their disappointing loss to Brazil in the last match.

Amajimbos now jump to second place with seven points from two wins, one draw and a loss – suffered at the hands of Brazil.

Brazil was to meet India in a later match.


This is how they lined up:

Russia:
Sangare David (GK), Moskvichec Vladimir (C), Ivankov Aleksandr, Umiarov Nail, Chelidze Georgy, Kolesnichenko Kirill, Lopatin Daniil, Zavarukhin Dmitrii, Gomaniuk Ilia, Skrobotv Ilia, Guirdzhan Artem

Subs:
Shitov Anton (GK), Edapin Maksim (GK), Evinov Aleksandr, Stepanov Danil, Ianov Danila, Karapuzov Vladislav, Zolotarev Efim, Radostev Semen, Volkov Vladislav

COACH: DMITRY ULYANOV


South Africa:
Glen Baadjies, Mswati Mavuso (Sifundo Nkosi), Luke Fleurs, Nkanyiso Shinga (Thabo Mokwena), Mjabulise Mkhize, Sthembiso Kurata, Tyreese Pillay, Luke Le Roux (C), S’miso Bophela (Lethabo Mazibuko), Lyle Foster, Sechaba Mokoena

Subs:
Tshepo Mohui (GK), Rhuwano Wynne (GK), , Sabelo Radebe Ndamolelo Radzilani Jaqueel de Jager, Lethabo Mazibuko, Kabelo Makola, Mpho Mahlangu, Sifundo Nkosi, Thabo Mokwena

COACH: MOLEFI NTSEKI


BRICS u17 FOOTBALL CUP:

3rd & 4th Place Play Off – PJN Stadium Fatorda
Saturday, 15 October
Russia/China (Group 3rd Place) vs China/Russia (Group 4th Place), 10h00 (06h30 SA Time)

FINAL – PJN Stadium Fatorda
Saturday, 15 October
Brazil (Group Winner) vs South Africa (Group Runner Up), 15h30 (12h00 SA Time)