The South African National u20 men’s team (Amajita) lost 1-0 to Zambia in the first semi final of the CAF U20 African Cup of Nations at Heroes National Stadium on Wednesday night.
Zambia………………….1 (109’ Edward Chilufya )
South Africa…………. 0
The South African National u20 men’s team (Amajita) lost 1-0 to Zambia in the first semi final of the CAF U20 African Cup of Nations at Heroes National Stadium on Wednesday night.
A goal by Edward Chilufya in extra time was the only thing that separated the two southern African giants in what was always going to be a close affair in a stadium packed to the rafters.
The match was finally decided by a strike in the second half of extra time after the two sides had battled for 90 minutes without a goal. The match produced some breathtaking football in which both sides created some gilt-edged chances and the late goal was gut wrenching for South Africa who produced some exiting football throughout the match.
The Young Chipolopolo had the majority of the chances in the opening exchanges but Amajita goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto was the difference as he made numerous saves throughout the match.
“Congratulations to Zambia, they gave us a run for our money. We always expected a tough match and we are very proud that we managed to keep a clean sheet for the whole 90 minutes. We are impressed with the character showed by the boys despite the loss,” said Amajita coach Thabo Senong.
Amajita will now wait for the second semi-final of the CAF U20 African Cup of Nations which will be played on Thursday between Guinea and Senegal in Ndola. The loser of that encounter will face South Africa in the 3rd/ 4th place play off while the winner will play Zambia to determine the champions on Sunday.
Line ups:
Zambia starting XI: Mangani Banda(GK); Moses Nyondo; Prosper Chiluya; Solomon Sakala (C); Fashion Junior Sakala; Enock Mwepu; Emmanuel Banda; Shemmy Mayembe; Edward Chilufya; Patson Daka; Boyd Siame Musonda
Zambian substitutions: Benson Chali; Sydney Phiri; Harrison Chisala; Conlyde Luchanga;; Edward Tembo; Samson Banda; Kenneth Kalunga; Jim Phiri; Mumba Mwape; Chrispine Sakulanda
South African starting XI: Mondli Mpoto (GK); Notha Ngcobo; Thendo Mukumela; Tercious Malepe (C); Sandile Mthethwa;Wiseman Meyiwa; Teboho Mokoena; Luther Singh; Grant Margeman; Sibongakonke Mbatha; Khanyisa Mayo
South African substitutions: Sanele Tshabalala; Khulekani Khubeka; Siyabonga Ngezana; Katlego Mohamme; Aghmat Ceres; Sipho Mbule; Kobamelo Kodisang; Itumeleng Shopane; Liam Jordan