Amajita head coach Raymond Mdaka is beaming with pride after his side stuck to the game plan in order to see off a physical DRC team and seal qualification to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.
The South African U20 side defeated Congo 1-0 in the quarterfinals at the on-going U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt to book their ticket to Chile and advance to the semi-finals of the continental tournament.
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The last eight round match saw South Africa come under pressure with the game going into extra-time. However, it was Mdaka’s charges who had a final say getting a solitary goal through Thabang Mahlangu in the 105th minute.
Mdaka said he knew the game was going to be tough because of the stakes adding that he is proud of the boys for meeting the target.
“Our game against DRC Congo, we knew that it’s not going to be an easy game, because every country wanted to qualify for the World Cup,” Mdaka told safa.net.
“But we told ourselves to say, ‘We are in the tournament, and one of the main objectives was to qualify.’ So, we used almost everything that we thought we have, technically, tactically, physically and character.
“You could see they had a very good plan for us, but we were fortunate, first half not to concede, and second half we sorted it out, and then we at least came back and then be able to get a goal and protected the goal. I think it’s a good show for the boys and good also for the country for qualifying for the World Cup.”
Amajita face Nigeria in the semi-final of the U20 AFCON on Thursday, 15 May.
The junior global showpiece in Chile is scheduled for 27 September-19 October 2025.
