Goals from Gift Motupa and Menzi Masuku inspired South Africa to a 3-2 win over Zambia in the 2015 Under 23 Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar.

Owen da Gama made six changes to the South African starting 11, including Orlando Pirates duo Motupa and Masuku, who arrived from Tunisia late on Monday.

The pair would have the decisive say in the outcome with a seven-minute blitz following the break turning the game on its head.

Zambia survived an early South African storm and after Benedict Chepeshi forced Jody February into a superb save, Chipolopolo grabbed the lead through Conlyde Luchanga on 35 minutes.

Criminal defending by South Africa left the Zambian striker unmarked inside the area and the Lusaka Dynamos forward pounced with a brilliant volley to give February no chance.

South Africa came out guns blazing after the interval and leveled matters two minutes into the second stanza through Masuku who slotted the ball past Toaster Nsabata following a scramble inside the penalty box.

Owen da Gama’s men grabbed the lead in the 52nd minute through Motupa. Kwanda Mngonyama directed a Keagan Dolly corner-kick into the danger area for the Pirates man to nod in from close range.

He then completed his brace two minutes later with a smart finish after being put through on goal by his Buccaneers teammate Masuku.

Chipolopolo, though, were not ready to throw in the towel and reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute – Billy Mutale firing home from a corner-kick to breath life into the Zambians.

Zambia threw everything forward, but eventually came up short and will need a minor miracle to progress to the knockout stages.

South Africa next face Tunisia on Friday with a win against the North Africans likely to secure their place in the final four.

South Africa (0) 3 (Masuku 47′ Motupa 52′ 54′)
Zambia (1) 2 (Luchanga 35′ Mutale 73′)

South Africa: February; Mobara (Macheke 62′), Mngonyama, Coetzee, Moerane, Motupa, Dolly, Masuku, Mekoa Mahlambi (Norodien 84′), Zuma (P.Ntshangase 46′)

Zambia: Nsabata; Chepeshi, Mkandawire, Kampamba (Samu 48′), Sautu (Chirwa 87′), Musonda, Sakala, Kayawe (Phiri 60′), Katema, Luchanga, Mutale

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com