Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:56:24 +0000
…as Lesotho kiss dust.
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
SOUTH Africa was yesterday crowned 2017 Mopani Copper Mines COSAFA Under-20 champions after humbli ng neighbours Lesotho to a 2-1 defeat in the final played yesterday at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
A goal apiece from striker Brent Forster and right back Kamogelo Sambo was all the young Bafana Bafana needed to grab their sixth COSAFA Under-20 title.
The Amajita as they are popularly known began the final on a dominant note and were rewarded five minutes into the first half when Forster beat goal keeper Monaheng Ramalefane with his low shot on target.
South Africa went 2 – 0 up five minutes before the break when right back Kamogelo Sambo beat Kopane Silase who replaced injured Lesotho’s first choice goalkeeper Ramalefane.
Lesotho however pulled one back through Rethabile Mokokoane’s beautifully struck free kick two metres from the right side of the centre line.
Lesotho could have levelled matters in the 75th minute of the game but were unfortunate as defender Mokoteli Mohapi, with only the keeper to beat shot wide.
Amajita held on to their 2-1 lead to snatch their their sixth COSAFA youth title.
The win cheered Amajita head coach Tabo Senong who congratulated his boys for beating the Sothos.
Senong noted that his boys deserved to be champions as they put in their best in all the five fixtures played at the youth tournament held in Kitwe.
“I’m happy with the performance of Amajita.
They gave their best in each and every game we played. This is important for their development,” Senong said.
Lesotho head coach Lesley Lotsi commended his boys for reaching the finals. Lesley noted that his players accounted for themselves very well after having been considered underdogs at the youth tournament.
“It has been a very successful tournament for us. I’m happy with the way the boys competed at this tournament.
“We were considered as underdogs but competed and reached the finals which is encouraging for us,” Lesley said.
Meanwhile Egypt came out third after thrashing East African representatives Uganda 3-1 in a third and fourth fixture.
