Amajimbos seeking full points in Niger

THE South African under-17 football team will be looking for maximum points against Mali in the CAF Championship in Niger tomorrow after they threw away a two-goal lead in their opening match against Ivory Coast.

The Amajimbos were leading 2-0 courtesy of goals by Sibongakonke Mbatha and Khanyisa Mayo, pictured above. But the Ivorians, who are defending champions, bounced back to score two goals in seven minutes late on.

“We played very well, but just lost concentration at the end. We thought that we had won the match before the final whistle was blown.” said captain Nelson Maluleke.

Maluleke, though, had high praise for his goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto, saying: “He stood out for me as he motivated us throughout the game from the back”.

Tomorrow the team will be looking to cut out the mistakes which cost them so dearly on Monday.

“We have to ensure that we stay focused and keep concentration throughout the match and not to give the other team space to play.

“We will play our attacking football in our last two group matches and try not to concede,” added Maluleke.

And having the support from coach Molefi Ntseki is beneficial for the young skipper.

“Coach Molefi is a very down to earth coach. He keeps motivating us... and has improved my tactical awareness and off-the-ball movement.

“Being the captain means I have to keep the players motivated at all times so there is pressure on me. But having my teammates from SuperSport Academy helps because we are like family, but that relationship is standard with all of us as Amajimbos.”

SA’s final Pool B match is against Cameroon on Sunday at 5.30pm.