Amajita reach COSAFA U20 semi-finals as Mdaka criticises Eswatini performance

Amajita secured top spot in Group B and a place in the COSAFA U20 semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Eswatini in Maputo, Mozambique, but head coach Raymond Mdaka was dissatisfied with his side’s performance.

South Africa’s U20 men’s national team controlled the result through goals from Manelisi Mazibuko and Milimo Nalumango, although they struggled to turn their dominance into a more convincing scoreline.

Amajita created several opportunities but appeared to ease off after taking control of the match. Mdaka was particularly unhappy with the approach of some of his players, despite the team completing the group stage at the top of the standings.

“Maybe it was a mental issue because the players realised that Eswatini had not won a game, but some of them are already playing in top leagues so they should be professional enough to know that when they enter the field of play it should always be about business,” said Mdaka.

Mdaka made several changes to his starting XI, with more than five regular players rested before the semi-final. Takalani Mahamba, Egan Freese, Cayden Fortune, captain Lazola Maku and Mazibuko were the only players retained from the side that began the match against Angola.

The coach said the changes were necessary to manage minor injuries and give other members of the squad valuable playing time.

“We had to manage the minor injuries, but at the same time this is a junior tournament so we have to test the whole squad and give others who have fresh legs an opportunity to play,” he said.

“We rested five players we usually play, but the way we want to play never changes.”

Amajita will face Group C winners Zambia in the second semi-final tomorrow. Zambia also completed their group unbeaten.

The match carries further significance, with victory securing qualification for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. Mdaka is expected to call on the players who were rested against Eswatini as South Africa pursue a place in the final.

The semi-final will also be a repeat of the 2024 final, when Amajita defeated Zambia 2-0. South Africa went on to win their maiden AFCON title the following year in Egypt.

With a place at next year’s AFCON at stake, Mdaka said winning the semi-final was the team’s overriding objective.