South African Football Association (Johannesburg)
3 December 2011
The South African Under 20 Men’s National Team (Amajita) opened their COSAFA Under Youth Championship with a resounding four nil (4-0) victory over Mauritius. The Group C fixture took place the University of Botswana in Gaborone on Friday, 2 December 2011.
South Africa made their intentions clear as early as the 10th minute when Sinethemba Ngidi scored the first goal from just outside the box.
Solly Luvhengo’s side was award a free kick a few metres from the Mauritius goals after Mthokosizi Dube was brought down, but Sanele Khuzwayo failed to make it count.
In the 26th minute they could have doubled their lead after Ngidi turned provider, only for Letsie Koapeng to hit the side net.
But they managed to get the second goal three minutes later – Jerry Mxabo netting from the penalty spot after Koapeng was fouled.
South Africa was now in complete control of the match, but wasted a number of scoring opportunities, leaving Luvhengo dissatisfied.
Shortly before the break, Ngidi made way for Andile Khena.Khena nearly got on the scoresheet just three minutes after the restart, but the Mauritius keeper denied him.
In the 66th minute South Africa put the victory beyond doubt with Jerry Mxabo’s goal – their third of the day.
Substitute Thabani Mthethwa put final nail on the coffin to give South Africa a four nil win, and they next Tanzania in the tournament. The match will be played on Sunday (4 December) at the Molepole Stadium.
South Africa tops the group with three points after Zambia and Tanzania played to a three-all draw, also at the UB Stadium. Mauritius still has to register a point.
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