Amajimbos got off to a winning start at the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations, coming from behind to beat Senegal 2-1.
It was a big win for Vela Khumalo’s team, who are in a tough group with Algeria and Ghana making up the four teams in Group D.
It was a cagey first half, with the Senegalese finding the back of the net just before the break, with Cheikh Thior heading in from a corner.
South Africa started the second half positively, and found the equaliser three minutes in, with Assane Sarr unable to hold onto Inganathi Simama’s shot, which bobbled over the line. After a VAR check, the goal was allowed.
And Khumalo’s team were in the lead in the 55th minute, when Thior went from hero to villain, as he deflected in Reotshepile Malete’s shot, leaving Sarr helpless.
Senegal continued to push hard and looked to have equalised with twenty minutes to go, but VAR intervened again, notching it off for an earlier offside.
In stoppage time, Senegal had the ball in the net again, but again from an offside position, and when the final whistle blew, the Amajimbos had held on for an important three points.
South Africa play Algeria on Sunday, before facing Ghana three days later. Qualifying for the last eight would also guarantee FIFA U17 World Cup qualification, with 10 of the 16 teams heading to Qatar later this year.