4 February 2024 – The South African U17 Women’s National Team lost 0-3 to Ethiopia away from home in the first leg of their 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier out in Addis Ababa on Sunday afternoon.
A 10th minute goal by Mahelet Mitiku managed to unsettle the South Africans and saw them struggling to get into the game, while two defensive errors allowed Hidat Kasu to score a brace in the 19th and 72nd minutes of the match.
The South Africans seemed a bit more settled in the second half but failed to get into the final third of the Ethiopian box.
Head Coach Nthabeleng ‘Dunga’ Modiko, believes that her side still has a chance to redeem themselves, when the two sides meet again next Saturday, 10 February 2024 for the second leg in South Africa.
“This was a lovely game to watch and congratulations to Ethiopia on the victory.
“We made mistakes that cost us the game, and we will go back home and work on those areas before next weekend’s match,” said Modiko.
The South African U17 Women’s National Team will travel back home tomorrow morning to continue preparations for the second leg.
The second leg against Ethiopia will be played on Saturday 10 February 2024 at Lucas Moripe Stadium, and kick off is scheduled for 3pm.