South Africa U23 comeback win highlights depth, says assistant coach Mogudi

South Africa U23 assistant coach Karabo Mogudi says the team’s 3-1 comeback victory over Algeria demonstrated the strength and quality within the national under-23 setup.

Raymond Mdaka was absent from the technical area after suffering a family bereavement, but South Africa dominated much of the first half at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Thursday afternoon. They created several chances without finding a finish, and Algeria punished that wastefulness when Yanis Senhadji gave the visitors the lead shortly before half-time.

The hosts responded strongly after the interval, with the changes made by Mogudi producing an immediate effect. Substitutes Quwan Plaatjies, Nhlanhla Gasa and Faiz Abrahams all scored as South Africa overturned the deficit and secured victory.

Mogudi welcomed the result but said the performance had also exposed aspects that must be addressed before the teams meet again on Sunday.

“Winning 3-1 does not mean we will not look at areas we need to improve on, but generally I think the boys did well. They applied themselves properly in both halves, it’s just that we couldn’t finish the chances we created in the first half, but in the second half we changed a few things and those boys did the business,” he said.

“We are happy with these friendlies because they will prepare us for a vital qualifier against Madagascar, and this match showed once again the amazing talent we have.”

The assistant coach was particularly pleased with South Africa’s approach before half-time, despite the failure to convert their opportunities. He felt the team had already established the foundations for the second-half recovery through the positions the players took in attack.

Mogudi has described the squad as “Mentality Monsters”, a phrase which reflects his belief that the players can remain resilient when a match begins to move against them. He also pointed to the continuity within the group as an important factor.

Many of the players have come through the national U17 and U20 teams together, giving them an established understanding and familiarity with one another. Mogudi believes that shared experience has strengthened the atmosphere in camp and helped the squad stay calm, focused and determined during difficult moments.

The two matches against Algeria form part of South Africa’s preparations for their important qualifier against Madagascar. While Thursday’s win provided encouragement, Mogudi says the squad will continue working on the areas that require improvement.

South Africa U23 will play Algeria again on Sunday in the second of the two international friendlies at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. Kick-off is at 15h00.