‘It was more than a fight’: Crowie after AFCON win over Zambia
South Africa’s U17 men’s national team head coach Duncan Crowie reckons that their CAF Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] Group B clash against neighbours Zambia was “more than a fight”.
This comes after Amajimbos registered their first win at the ongoing AFCON U17 tournament following their 3-2 win over Zambia at Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui Stadium on Wednesday night.
Duncan Crowie’s charges began their AFCON journey with a 2-0 defeat to Morocco on Sunday, 30 April 2023.
A brace by Vicky Mkhawana and a goal from Michael Dokunmu were enough for South Africa to walk away with the three pivotal three points.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Mwanza also scored a brace for Zambia.
DUNCAN CROWIE: ‘IT WAS MORE THAN A FIGHT’
Duncan Crowie stated that it was of paramount importance for his boys to give it their all and show what they are capable of to earn the much-needed win.
“It was more than a fight. We were 2-0 up, and they came back and made it very difficult for us,” said Crowie in a post-match interview.
“They put us under pressure with the deep and long balls that put our defence under pressure. But as I mentioned to the guys, it was important for us to show that we can play.
“If they did not allow us to play, then at least we show we can fight, and I say fight in a very nice way so that we ensure they [Zambia] don’t create opportunities.
“With all the pressure that they put us under, I don’t think they really created clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities, which is very good.”
The Amajimbos mentor continued: “Like I did the other night [after the defeat to Morocco in the opening match of the tournament], I will sit up again and cut clips to make it clear to the players what they did right and what they can still improve on in preparation for our next game against Nigeria.”
GROUP B STANDINGS
As things stand, South Africa is currently placed third in Group B with three points from two outings.
The side will play the final group stage encounter against Nigeria on Saturday, 6 May 2023.
The game will be a decider of who joins Morocco in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
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