Amajimbos win again in Côte d’Ivoire
The South African u17 men’s national team, known as “Amajimbos”, secured their second win in the FIFA u17 TDS Tournament on Thursday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, by overcoming Tanzania 4-3 in a penalty shootout after playing to a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Amajimbos were also victorious on Tuesday when they won a high-scoring, fiercely contested clash with Algeria 7-4 in which both teams were pushed to their limits.
In Tanzania, Amajiombos faced a formidable adversary, with the Tanzanians employing aggressive tactics and a robust defensive strategy, which left little room for the South African players, who are recognised for their fluid and pressing style, characterised by two-touch play, to express themselves.
With only 10 minutes remaining in the match, Tanzania took the lead and, with the strike coming so late in the game, it appeared that they were on their way to victory. South Africa struck back, however, through Neo Bohloko, which sent the contest to the penalty spot after the final whistle sounded.
South African goalkeeper, Lehlohonolo Mosia, who earned his first international cap, stood tall in the shootout, pulling off three remarkable saves to snatch the win for Amajimbos.
Amajimbos’ Head Coach Vela Khumalo told South African Football Association (Safa) Media, that the match was a challenging one, which he had anticipated it would be.
He explained: “We had to see how we respond to physical teams with very solid defenders and we tried a new formation today that still needs work. We don’t see this as a victory because it was a draw in our books. But we are meeting our targets, so we are satisfied for today.”
The experience his charges gained, Khumalo said, was essential as they will encounter similar challenges in the forthcoming u17 Cosafa Championship, which takes place in December in Maputo.
The draw for the TotalEnergies CAF u17 Africa Cup of Nations| Cosafa Qualifier was made in Maputo on Thursday, with South Africa being placed in Group C along with Botswana, Comoros, and Mauritius.
Amajimbos play their final match of the Fifa u17 TDS Tournament against Morocco on Saturday.
