Mendes brace helps South Africa open Cosafa Under-20 campaign with victory

South Africa’s Amajita began their CAF Cosafa u-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-0 victory over Lesotho in Group B in Maputo on Saturday afternoon.

The African champions are aiming to defend both their regional and continental titles, although Lesotho threatened to upset their more fancied neighbours during the opening stages.

Forward Manelis Mazibuko thought he had put South Africa ahead after six minutes when he finished from a corner, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Lesotho continued to come under pressure and needed a last-gasp clearance off the line to deny Eagan Freese. The chance came after Matthew Palmer sent a low delivery across the area, with Freese arriving at the far post.

As the first quarter progressed, Lesotho grew in confidence and began to trouble the South African defence with their pressing game. Their approach also forced goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba into action.

However, Kaizer Chiefs striker Steven Mendes broke the deadlock shortly before half-time. He beat the defence to a ball played over the top before calmly lifting his finish over the goalkeeper to give Amajita a 1-0 lead.

South Africa coach Raymond Mdaka made a change at the interval, sending on Will Henson in place of Kamohelo Mareletse.

Mendes doubled the advantage 10 minutes into the second half with a first-time finish into the bottom corner. The opportunity came from a well-delivered ball into the box, as the Lesotho defence failed to clear.

Amajita established control midway through the second period and added a third goal soon afterwards. Oarabile Booysen reached the far side of the area and pulled the ball back towards the near post, where Teboho Mlangeni arrived to score his first goal of the tournament.

South Africa will continue their Group B campaign against Angola on 21 September before facing Eswatini on 23 September.

Upcoming fixtures

South Africa v Angola – 21 September

South Africa v Eswatini – 23 September