Amajita Register First Win at U20 AFCON

South Africa registered their first win at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt following a 1-0 in over Tanzania in Group A on Wednesday, courtesy of a goal by Shakeel April.

Amajita came into the game on the back of a 1-0 loss to the host nation in their tournament opener and also lost their captain Asekho Tiwani to injury.

This prompted Coach Raymond Mdaka to make changes especially at the back, starting Sfiso Timba, Neo Rapoo and Siviwe Nkwali.

South Africa got a break as early as the sixth minute through Langelihle Phili, however he only kicked into the goalkeeper’s hands. Tanzania had their first real shot at target in the 14^th minute through a troublesome Cyprian Kachwele with a nice solo run from the left however his final shot went wide.

The East Africans wasted another chance on the 21^st minute through Bakari Msimu who only made it easy for Fletcher Lowe to make an easy collection.

Seven minutes later Tanzanian goalkeeper was clumsy in his distribution as his ball landed on a Yellow jersey that of April who did well to keep it and pass to Mogamat Abrahams as he made a run into the box.

Abrahams set-up April and he slotted home the opener for South Africa. Tanzania almost equalised in injury time of the first half when Kachwele found Ibrahim Khamis but the latter’s header went over the bar leaving the South African in the lead at the break.

After the break the Tanzanians showed urgency to get the equaliser early firing three quick shots at Lowe minutes into the stanza however the South African number one stood his ground. Amajita also had a chance to double their lead in the 50^th minute though Abrahams but he shot just over the bar. With the intensity of the game decreasing both coaches made changes just after the hour mark.

Tanzania had an immediate impact as they won a penalty after Msimu looked to have been brought down by Timba by VAR ruled out the incident leaving Amajita still in the driver’s seat.

There was chance for South to get a cushion goal when Kutlwano Letlhaku found Mfundo Vilakazi but the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder shot wide in the closing 20 minutes. Mdaka’s charges next game is against Sierra Leone next Tuesday.