Amajita beat Zambia to book Afcon place and reach Cosafa U-20 final

South Africa U-20 coach Raymond Mdaka praised his players for their character after Amajita recovered from a goal down to beat Zambia 4-2 and qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

The result also sent the defending champions into the Cosafa U-20 Championship final, where they will face hosts Mozambique at ABB Stadium on Sunday.

Mdaka’s side trailed at half-time after Duncan Musialela put Zambia ahead with a header after 28 minutes. South Africa responded strongly after the interval, scoring four times to complete an impressive comeback.

Steven Mendes equalised from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute, scoring his fourth goal of the tournament. Oarabile Booysen then put Amajita ahead for the first time two minutes later.

Zambia hit back through Jonathan Kalimina, but South Africa regained control in the closing stages. Mendes converted his second penalty after Kalimina handled the ball inside the area, before Emile Witbooi sealed victory in the referee’s optional time.

Witbooi, described as an exciting attacker, ran from midfield before producing a composed solo finish for his first goal of the tournament.

Mdaka said he had challenged his players at the interval to respond to the threat of failing to defend their title and missing out on qualification for Afcon.

“I told the boys at halftime that it is going to be bad if we don’t go out there and defend the trophy and fail to qualify for Afcon,” he said.

“I asked them to put more numbers and increase speed in the final third because their defenders were just sitting there and waiting for us.

“We brought Emile to play in front of their centre backs, and that move worked for us. I appreciate the character that was shown by the boys.

“It was not easy to come back from 1-0 down in this sort of intensive match and score more goals. That is the sign of being positive, and I am happy with the way they handled themselves.”

South Africa will now travel to Ghana as defending champions and are expected to be among the favourites, with Mdaka having assembled a strong squad that includes players who are active for their clubs.

However, the coach said qualification had been the priority against a Zambia side he regarded as a difficult opponent.

“The key for us was to qualify for Afcon, and that mission has been achieved. Zambia has a strong team, and we knew it was going to be difficult, but credit to the boys for showing character.”