Japan snatch win from SA
SOUTH Africa were made to rue several missed chances in their opening Group D soccer match of the 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup in South Korea after allowing Japan to come back from behind and beat them 2-1 at the Suwon Stadium yesterday.
South Africa scored the opener in the first half after a long ball from anchorman Thabo Cele was well controlled by Grant Margeman‚ who made no mistake with a powerful effort to give Amajita the lead.
Japan came back strongly in the second half and were rewarded in the 47th minute after Ogawa’s clever back heel from a low cross trickled over the line, despite an attempted save by Mondli Mpoto.
The goal proved to be the turning point for the Asian champions as Thabo Senong’s men lost control of the match‚ allowing Japan to dictate play for the better part of the opening 20 minutes of the second half.
The winning goal eventually came in the 65th minute for the Japanese, thanks to Ritsu Duon’s clinical finish after a good buildup that caught the South Africans off guard.
Meanwhile, Zambia beat Portugal 2-1 to get the edge in Group C.
Both sides set up playing to their strengths – Portugal limiting the space, favouring their technical prowess, Zambia sitting deep, containing and looking to strike on the break.
Chances came at both ends, with Zambia being saved by Moses Nyondo before the game kicked up a gear after the break.
The African champions started the quicker and made it count. Enock Mwepu’s shot wrong-footed Diogo Costa and, though the keeper produced a fine reflex save, Edward Chilufya was on hand to tap in.
With that, the game opened up. Portugal were not short of opportunities but spurned them.
Fashion Sakala struck a solo second with 15 minutes to go. – TMG Digital/TMG Sport, supersport.com