Bulgaria falls as South Africa wraps up UEFA Four Nations in style
The South African u16 National Team ended their participation in the UEFA Four Nations Development Tournament on a winning note on Wednesday, eclipsing the host nation, Bulgaria, 4-3 in a penalty shootout after their match ended in a 2-2 draw after regulation time.
The clash revealed South Africa’s strong character, with the tourists fighting back from a 0-2 deficit to level the contest.
After a goalless first half, Bulgaria broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute and added another goal 13 minutes later, leaving SA with only 15 minutes to swing the contest.
South Africa needed a rapid response, and they got it only four minutes after conceding a second goal, with Thabang Makoba providing the finish. Then, with six minutes remaining before the final whistle, Selaelo Moloisi equalised.
With the game on the line, the South African side stayed calm and composed in the shootout and were rewarded with a narrow 4-3 victory from the penalty spot.
Their tour began on a sour note when, on Saturday, 4 April, they lost 0-3 to Georgia. South Africa rebounded on Monday with a 5-1 victory over Kosovo.
The UEFA Four Nations tournament in Bulgaria provided the touring side with invaluable international experience and exposure, as well as good preparation for the u17 TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF), Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which takes place in Morocco from 13 May to 13 June.
