Amajimbos thrash Malawi to secure Afcon spot

Amajimbos have achieved one of their objectives at the Under-17 Cosafa Championships, with the team securing their spot at next year’s Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) to be hosted in Algeria.

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The South African Under-17 team reached this feat after beating the hosts Malawi 5-1 in the semi-finals, thanks to a hat-trick by Siyabonga Mabena and a goal each by Thato Sibiya and Dhakier Lee in their route to the final of the tournament.

Coach Duncan Crowie was pleased with the performance of Amajimbos, especially playing against a home side who had a lot of support on the stands.

Crowie admits that he anticipated a very tough encounter against Malawi, but praised his charges for going all out and making sure they get the result.

“It was a fantastic performance and I certainly did not think it would be 5-1 in the end. I did not think it would be so tough either. The 12th man in the stands played an important role lifting them. Even when they were 0-2 down they still came at us, and they still had the belief they would get back into the game,” said Crowie.

“But the boys stuck to their guns, did very well keeping possession after they had been put under pressure, and eventually the other goals had to come. So, well done to the boys.”

With the Afcon spot sealed, the focus now is for the team to lift the title of the Cosafa Championship, with Amajimbos set to face a daunting task against Zambia, who have also been very good at the tournament.

Ahead of Sunday’s final in Lilongwe, Crowie says he won’t make any changes in his team with the Zambians having beaten them 1-0 during the group stages.

“I do not think that we will change anything. The most important thing now is to get the players fit, and ensure they remain fit. The game plan will not change and motivating them will not be a problem because it is a final and everybody wants to be a champion,” he added.