The South African u20 Men’s National Team defeated their counterparts from Kenya 3-1 in an exciting international friendly match played on Saturday, 26 November 2016 at the Tsakane Stadium in Brakpan.
The South African u20 Men’s National Team defeated their counterparts from Kenya 3-1 in an exciting international friendly match played on Saturday, 26 November 2016 at the Tsakane Stadium in Brakpan.
Goals from captain Tercius Malepe and second half substitutes Menzi Ndwande and Lehlohonolo Radebe were enough to give Amajita victory.
South Africa was using the match to prepare for the upcoming 2016 COSAFA u20 Cup that will be held in Rustenburg from 7 – 12 December.
Both teams started on a low gear, especially Kenya who had challenges with their travel, managing to arrive in South Africa only at midnight.
Amajita took the lead in the 28th minute from the penalty spot after Itumeleng Shopang was fouled in the box – Malepe the scorer.
Shopang was proving to be a menace to the Kenyan defence and almost scored the second within a minute after dribbling past cluster of defenders, but his shot went narrowly wide.
After the break, it was end to end stuff as both teams played attacking football – with Kenya looking for an equaliser while South Africa wanted to extend their lead.
It was the visitors who managed to find the goal in the 76th minute when second half substitute Francis Kinyua rifled a shot past Amajita goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala.
When it seemed the match was heading for a stalemate, Ndwandwe pounced with a beautiful header three minutes from time to restore South Africa’s lead.
The celebrations had hardly died down when Radebe scored the third in referee’s optional time, with an easy tap in, to give the hosts a convincing 3-1 win in front of a decent crowd in Tsakane.
Amajita will now move their preparations to Rustenburg as the COSAFA u20 gets closer.
Here’s how they lined up:
South Africa:
Sanele Tshabalala (GK), Kabelo Seriba, Tebogo Rahlogo, Sphumelele Mbulu (Sipho Mbule), Wiseman Meyiwa, Itumeleng Shopang (Menzi Ndwandwe), Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Luther Singh (Lehlohonolo Radebe), Tercius Malepe (C), Katleho Ntshabeleng (Sifundo Jesus Sibiya), Given Msimango
Subs:
Darren Johnson (GK), Happy Mashiane, Menzi Ndwandwe, Sipho Mbule, Sifundo Jesus Sibiya, Given Thibedi, Bonolo Seeco, Thabiso Mofolo, Brandon Josephs, Lehlohonolo Radebe
Kenya:
Edwin Mukolwe (GK), Ezekiel Mugo, Teddy Osok, Okumu Collins, Ochieng Ovella, Amos Nondi (C), Jafari Odenyi, Baraka Edage, Musa Masika, John Macharia, David Ambuku
Subs:
Ahmed Omar (GK), Bernard Arum, Vincent Wasambo, James Ogachi, Anthony Atieno, Peter Mwangi, Francis Kinyua
Match Officials:
Referee: Wisdom Chewe (Zambia)
Ass. Referee 1: Chiwoyu Sinyangwe (Zambia)
Ass. Referee 2: Amos Chalwe (Zambia)
4th Official: Daniel Bennett (South Africa)
Match Comm: Gladmore Muzambi (Zimbabwe)