Supersub Quwan Plaatjies came off the bench to help SA U23 beat Madagascar 1-0 in the first leg of the 2027 U23 African Cup of Nations Qualifier at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday afternoon.
Thabang Mahlangu and Kutlwano Letlhaku were both guilty of not burying their chances despite a dominant display from South Africa in the first period.
In the 59th minute another chance went begging as Mahlangu’s header from Chandre Campbell’s cross fell kindly into the Malagasy keeper.
Nhlanhla Gasa saw his header on target cleared off the goalline in the 68th minute as the home side held on firm.
After an avalanche of chances from the visitors in the match, the opener finally fell to South Africa in the 73rd minute.
Plaatjies rose highest to head home Neo Rapoo’s header and give Amaglug-glug a 1-0 lead. The Stellenbosch FC youngster also netted his second goal for the national U23 after doing so in the friendly 3-1 win over Algeria.
He almost grabbed his brace of the afternoon with a cheeky effort but saw his shit tipped over the bar with just five minutes left on the clock.
The two sides return to the same venue on Tuesday, 17 November, for the second leg with South Africa with the slender away goal advantage.