South Africa’s Under-20 team triumphs over USA, advances to knockout stages in Fifa World Cup
South Africa’s Under-20 team advanced to the Fifa World Cup knockout stages after defeating the USA 2-1 in Group E, with coach Raymond Mdaka praising their tactical victory and determination. Picture: CafOnline
Image: CafOnline
Following South Africa’s passage to the knockout stages of the Fifa Under-20 World Cup for the second time in Chile on Sunday, coach Raymond Mdaka has heaped praise on his troops for their monumental achievement.
Amajita beat the USA 2-1 in their final Group E match to finish second and book their ticket to the round of 16. The previous time South Africa achieved this feat was back at the 2009 edition.
The top three teams, including France, in Group E all finished on six points but goal difference was the decider. USA had a goal difference of 10, while SA’s was six and France was five.
The odds were stacked against South Africa coming into the match, and that made the result even sweeter for Mdaka.
South Africa’s Tactical Victory Over USA: A Heartfelt Performance
“It was a performance full of heart and character,” said Mdaka.
“We showed good tactical awareness and played with belief. The boys wanted this result, and they earned it. We must now prepare for the next challenge with the same hunger.”
“It was not an easy game playing the USA who has already won two games with a number of goals. It looked like a mountain to climb, but we agreed as a team to do what we could.”
The USA took the lead, as expected, in the 12th minute through a Noah Cobb strike.
It took SA just five minutes to equalise as Joshua Wynder scored an own goal for the USA.
Moments before the interval, however, Gomolemo Kekana struck to grab a 2-1 lead.
South Africa Secures Vital Win; Faces Columbia in Round of 16 on Wednesday at 9.30pm SA time
There would be no further change to the score in the second period, as South Africa held on for the vital win.
“You have to be able to maintain your performance in the second half and manage the game under pressure. And the support we are getting from back home and the performances we’ve put on the field show we are together as a country.”
South Africa will take on Columbia in their Round of 16 clash on Wednesday, with the match starting at 9.30pm SA time.