South Africa U-20 National team claimed a huge win courtesy of an emphatic 8-0 victory over Lesotho in their opening match of the 2016 COSAFA Under-20 Championships resounding an early warning to other opponents in the championships.
An hour and half of lapse of concentration from neighbouring Lesotho saw Luther Signh grabbing a brace as Itumeleng Shopane,Wiseman Meyiwa,Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Menzi Ndwandwe, Sifundo Sibiya, Sibongakonhle Mbatha and Achmat Xeres registering their names to fill the whole page of scoresheet.
The Amajita’ front five will rightly take most of the plaudits for their movement, skill and finishing, but that should not detract from the contribution of the other outfield players, whose work-rate provided the platform for victory.
South Africa were more energetic and more aggressive throughout, harrying the Lesotho players and denying them any time to think, let alone pick a pass.
It was only a matter of time before they established an advantage, which came through Shopane’s low shot from inside the box following a driving run and pass from Shopang.
More goals were inevitable and came through Signgh’s as he netted from penalty after Lesotho defence made a foul on Shopane inside the box.
In the 35th minute,Mayiwa’s brilliant effort made it 3-0 for the Amajita at he break of the first half..
Minutes after rhe resumption of second half the Amajita came again to outshine the baby crocodiles of Lesotho with a 50th minute goal from Nkosingiphile capitalising a defensice error to slot the ball at the back of the net.
Minutes later two quick goals in a space of a minute landed in Lesotho’s net coming from Menzi Ndwandwe and Sifundo Sibiya further increase South Africa’s lead to six goals.
Sibongakonke Mbatha solo effort and Achmat Ceres thunder completed the rout with the eighth goal of the night.
Amajita are next in action on Friday when they take on Swaziland in a potential Group A decider.
South Africa is using the tournament to build towards the African Youth Championships that will be staged in Zambia in February and March next year.
Line-ups:
Amajita XI: Sanele Tshabalala, Aghmat Ceres, Reeve Frosler, Tercious Malepe, Givemore Khupe, Sphumelele Mbulu, Wisemen Meyiwa, Kobamelo Kodisang, Itumeleng Shopang, Luther Singh, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo
Lesotho XI: Monaheng Ramalefane, Itumeleng Leche, Mohai Mohai, Relebohile Mabone, Khubetsoana Kamela, Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Bonang Mohapi, Moalosi Mosoeu, Tseliso Bots
