SA U20 side beat Belarus to advance to the final of Commonwealth Cup

THE South African men’s U20 team continued their impressive run in the Commonwealth Cup tournament in St Petersburg, Russia, after overcoming Belarus 4- 3 on penalties to advance to the final.

The semi-final match had ended 1-1 after regulation time.

Amajita, who fell behind in the 73rd minute, showed their never- day- die attitude when they equalised in the 90th minute after they had been awarded a penalty following sustained pressure in the dying stages of the match.

Captain Motjeka Madisha dusted himself off to plant the spot- kick past Belarus goalkeeper Denis Scherbitsky.

As was the case with the quarter-final encounter against hosts Russia, Pule Maraisane’s swift feet were proving a handful for Belarus.

Siyanda Ngubo had a glancing header go just wide as Amajita started to turn on the heat.

The same pattern followed in the second half and Maraisane threatened again only for Belarus to strike first. A surge forward saw striker Vladislav Klimovich poking the ball past South Africa goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi to make it 1-0 in the 73rd minute.

But South Africa fought back and equalised on the stroke of full-time and then went on to seal the win in the penalty shoot-out.

The South Africans were due to face either Finland or Turkmenistan in the final tomorrow before returning home on Tuesday. – Sapa