Mabena shines as SA U-17 beat Mozambique to seal COSAFA semis berth
Siyabonga Mabena starred as South Africa Under-17 boys (Amajimbos) beat Mozambique’s Mambanhas 1-0 in Malawi on Monday afternoon.
Leading scorer Mabena’s second-half goal earned Amajimbos a semifinal berth in the Under-17 AFCON 2023 COSAFA Qualifier.
Mabena scored in the 67th minute at Bingu National Stadium to take his tally to six goals in two Group B matches.
The attacker got to the end of a loose ball to slot past Mozambique goalkeeper Belmiro Mutisse.
SIYABONGA MABENA ON FIRE
For his efforts, Mabena walked away with the Man of the Match award.
South Africa date either Malawi or Botswana in the last-four stage on Wednesday.
SA wind up their group assignments against Zambia on Wednesday to determine who finishes on top.
Monday’s game presented Amajimbos coach Duncan Crowie a tactical puzzle to solve against a very defensive opposition.
The Mozambicans, who had started the campaign with a 1-0 loss to Zambia, put more men behind the ball and played on the break.
South Africa, nonetheless started the game the brighter of the two teams, but Mozambique defender Eduardo Hubo and company locked the goalposts.
Once Mozambique coach Dario Monteiro’s boys weathered the early storm from South Africa, they threatened to sneak in a goal.
However, but Luis Machava and Michael Tangue wasted their free headers when presented glorious opportunities from the long balls, which Mozambique pumped forward.
There were occasions when South Africa threatened to catch Mozambique excellent but short goalkeeper Mutisse off guard.
However, Mutisse the Amajimbos at bay with some breathtaking saves owing to his excellent positioning and swift reaction to danger.
First-half ended goalless due to Mutisse’s piece of art between the sticks.
South Africa came from break a bit patient allowing the Mambanhas to grow into the contest.
It took some defensive lapses and sloppy clearances for South Africa to break the deadlock.
Zambia were meeting whipping boys Seychelles in another game for the group at the same venue.
The under-17 championship also served as the qualifier for 2023 AFCON Under-17.
Malawi is hosting the championship as part of the Region 5 Games that involve girls football and other sports disciplines.
RELATED STORY: SA U17 coach Duncan Crowie reveals COSAFA Cup expectations