Amajita qualify for last 16 in style

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Bafana Bafana’s under-20 side, Amajita, have qualified for the knockout stages of the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time since 2009, after a 2-1 win over group leaders USA at Estadio El Teniente on Sunday.

Coach Raymond Mdaka’s team went into the match needing at least a draw to advance but produced one of their best performances of the tournament to claim all three points. The result moved South Africa to six points, level with the USA, and secured second place in Group E, their first progression to the knockout rounds since 2009.

The Americans opened the scoring early when Noah Cobb converted a cross from Matthew Corcoran in the 12th minute. However, Amajita struck back just five minutes later when a Thato Sibiya cross forced an own goal from Joshua Wynder.

On the stroke of half-time, South Africa completed the turnaround. Mfundo Vilakazi released Shakeel April, who squared the ball for Gomolemo Kekana to slot home and give Amajita a 2-1 lead at the break.

In the second half, the USA pressed for an equaliser, but goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe stood firm, making several key saves to preserve the lead. Kekana, who was later named Man of the Match, anchored the midfield alongside April, while Vilakazi once again impressed with his creativity.

Mdaka praised his team’s discipline and character after the match. “They showed that they are African champions,” he told SAFA.net. “It was not an easy game, but the boys managed it tactically and with real maturity.”

Amajita will now face Colombia, the Group F winners, in the Round of 16 on Wednesday in Talca.

Photo: Claudio Santana/USSF/Getty Images

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Dylan Johnson