Raymond Mdaka’s SA U20 side beat Angola 1-0 in the semifinals of the COSAFA U20 Championship to reach the final and qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
The game started on a slow temper with Angola sitting deep in their own half allowing South Africa to have most of the ball but nothing to write home about as they didn’t trouble the Angolan goalkeeper.
In the 16th minute, Amajita increased the intensity, with Shakeel April taking a shot which was saved by Angolan shotstopper who followed that up with another stop from Shandre Campbell.
Amajita were rewarded for their efforts in the 25th minute when Cape Town City striker Jody Ah-Shene made no mistake from close range beating the Angolan goalkeeper Da Silva to make it 1-0.
South Africa went into the break with 1-0 and Angola didn’t seem to trouble Raymond Mdaka’s boys.
In the second period, with Angola looking to find that equalizer, South Africa remained firm as they were protecting their lead.
With 10 minutes remaining, South Africa looked for that cushion goal, but Campbell skied his shot into the stands.
Siyabonga Mabena then replaced Campbell in the 81st minute as Mdaka looked to get that second goal which was going to put things at easy. Mabena nearly had an impact immediately, but his shot also went over the crossbar.
In the 86th minute, Mabena had another opportunity, but again his shot went wide.
Two minutes later, Ah-Shene had a chance to complete his brace following some fine footwork and took a shot, but the Angolan defence thwarted that threat.
Amajita held on to seal passage to the COSAFA Under20 final and will play the winner between Zambia and Zimbabwe who battle in the afternoon’s later clash.
