Amajita in World Cup

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Amajita booked a spot in the semifinals of the 2019 Afcon in Niger and qualified for this year’s Fifa U-20 World Cup in Poland following a 1-0 victory over Burundi in their last group stage game at Stade de Maradi yesterday.

South Africa finished second in Group A with five points, qualifying for the next stage of the competition alongside Nigeria, who finished top of the group with seven points.

The East Africans looked promising in the opening minutes, but it was South Africa who took the lead after Thabiso Monyane was fouled inside the box, before Luke Le Roux, above, stepped up to take the penalty and sent the Burundi goalkeeper Onesime Rukondo the wrong way in the eighth minute.

Burundi went in search of an equaliser as they enjoyed much of the ball possesion than Amajita, but their attempts misfired on several occasions.

In the 35th minute, Amajita skipper Khulekani Kubheka ensured the South Africans stay in the lead saving a close range header from Mabano Muryango.

Just before break, a goalmouth scramble ensued in the Amajita area and almost saw Burundi get an equaliser, but Amajita were quick to clear the danger.

In the second half, Kobamelo Kodisang launched a promising solo attack, but he was unfortunate to see his shot blocked in the 60th minute.

The game went on with the two teams creating chances, but they were both wasteful in front of goal.

Amajita will now take on Senegal in the semifinal on February 13 at Niamey.