South Africa Under-23s edge Madagascar in Olympic qualifying opener

South Africa’s Under-23 side secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Madagascar in the first leg of their second-round qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

The teams will meet again at the same venue on Tuesday, when coach Raymond Mdaka’s side will attempt to finish the tie and progress to the next stage.

Mdaka selected an experienced starting line-up, including players with PSL experience such as Asekho Tiwani, Neo Rapoo, Mfundo Vilakazi and Kutlwano Letlhaku.

He also included three players based overseas: goalkeeper Fletcher Smythe-Lowe of Estoril Praia in Portugal, Tylon Smith of New England Revolution FC in the United States and Shandre Campbell of KV Kortrijk in Belgium.

Although South Africa hold the advantage before the return fixture, they could have taken a more substantial lead after creating several promising opportunities against a disciplined Madagascar defence.

One of their best chances came from a Rapoo corner, when Siviwe Nkwali’s header was cleared off the line by a Madagascar defender.

South Africa continued to apply pressure, but had to wait until the 74th minute to make their dominance count.

Stellenbosch FC forward Quwan Plaatjies rose highest inside the penalty area to head past Madagascar goalkeeper Christopher Cladec and put the hosts in front.

Plaatjies had been introduced in the 60th minute, replacing Letlhaku, and made an immediate impact by connecting with Rapoo’s corner to finally break Madagascar’s resistance.

The hosts had opportunities to extend their lead before the final whistle, but Campbell, Vilakazi and Thabang Mahlangu were all denied by Cladec, who made a series of impressive saves.

South Africa will therefore take only a one-goal advantage into Tuesday’s second leg, despite having created enough chances to win by a wider margin.