23 April 2024 – The South African U17 Men’s National Team drew 2-2 with Colombia in their first international friendly at Estadio Francisco Rivera Escobar, in Palmira, Cali, on Monday.
Amajimbos dominated the first half and went into the break in the lead after Steven Mendes opened the scoring with a stunning shot from a wide angle in the 33rd minute.
Colombia made five changes at the restart in the second half and tried to put pressure on South Africa, but they fell short as a great combination play from Amajimbos gave Sivuziwe Lonzi his first ever national cap and goal for the visitors in the 57th minute.
Coach Vela Khumalo then made three substitutions in the 60th minute as Da Silva, Mhlongo and Msimango came on for Stevens, Lonzi and Mendes in that order.
Seven minutes later, Bohloko, Pama, Radebe and Booysen made way for Adams, Madondo, Morake and Maake.
The substitutions changed the shape of the match and saw South Africa concede two goals from defensive errors as Colombia managed to get back into the match with goals from Nick Mendez and Edmilson Herazo in the 79th and 90th minute respectively.
“We had a very good first half and the boys must be proud of themselves. They ticked all the boxes in the tactical plan we had,” said Khumalo.
“They kept possession, scored the goals, and stuck to the philosophy we want to instill in them.
“We made substitutions in the second half because we wanted to give all the players a run, and unfortunately, that changed the shape of the game.
“We are happy with the boys’ performance and will be looking to put in an even better performance on Wednesday when we play Colombia again.”
South Africa starting XI: Radebe(GK); Pama; Noqobo, Mokokosi(C),Booysen; Mogodi;bStevens; Mendes; Bohloko; Maraletse; Lonzi
South African substitutions: Morake(GK);Losper(GK);Madondo; Msimango; Maake; Da Silva; Witbooi; Adams; Mlondo