Mixed results for South Africa's Under-20 teams in COSAFA Championship openers
Image: BACKPAGEPIX
South Africa's U-20 national teams had contrasting starts to their COSAFA campaigns, with Amajita earning a thrilling 3-3 draw and Basetsana suffering a 3-0 defeat, both against Zambia.
At the UNAM Stadium in Namibia, the defending champion Amajita side – made up primarily of U-17 players as part of a development push ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup – showed flashes of brilliance but were forced to share the spoils in a pulsating Group B encounter.
South Africa took an early lead through Neo Bohloko before Zambia's Gabriel Phiri levelled matters shortly after.
Emile Witbooi then struck again for Amajita, restoring their advantage and putting the young side in a strong position.
But Zambia responded swiftly. Mapalo Simute brought the sides level once more, and Bongani Ndhlovu found the back of the net before halftime to make it 3-2 in favour of the Young Chipolopolo.
That scoreline remained until the 80th minute when Njabulo Mzimela popped up at the far post to head home the equaliser and ensure a share of the points.
Speaking after the match, Amajita assistant coach Thabo Mngomeni emphasised that the result was part of a broader developmental goal.
'I think it was wonderful, it was a learning curve,' said Mngomeni. 'What we wanted to achieve with this game, we did, since we're preparing this team for the World Cup.
'I think they got it spot on, we couldn't really achieve the way that we wanted to play. Zambia gave us the right test in terms of showing us where we should beef up our game.
'The players need to understand their roles during the game. Seemingly, we lose our concentration at times in the game, and that's just one of the things that we need to focus on and drive the boys towards more.'
In contrast, it was a frustrating outing for Basetsana in their Group B opener in the women's competition. Zambia, the defending champions, ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Bwalya Chipeshe, Lweendo Hanongo, and Lombanya Mwewa.
Despite the scoreline, Basetsana head coach Maud Khumalo found positives to build on.
'Tomorrow we have a rest day but we'll have to get back to the drawing board because I'm happy with 80% of the performance today, so we have to build on that,' said Khumalo.
'If you check the competition, Zambia is the strongest team here. We planned for them well, and it hurts to lose the game, but I'm 100% confident in my players moving forward.'
Both national teams remain in contention for the knockout stages as the group phase continues.
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