ESWATINI FALL TO SA IN COSAFA U-17

South Africa............... (1)2

(Mahlangu 38’, Phalane 78’pen) 

Eswatini....................... 0

MBABANE – Eswatini had a bad start in the 2020 COSAFA Men’s Under-17 Championship after losing 2-0 to hosts South Africa in Group A opener in Nelson Mandela Bay yesterday.

Goals in each half from Thabang Mahlangu and Yamkela Phalane sealed the victory for the home side, who lead the pool in the very early stages. The Edwin Matsebula-led charges are languishing at the bottom of Group A standings after Zimbabwe and Angola played to a 1-all draw.

Striker Mahlangu headed home after a teasing cross from Keaviano Francis on 38 minutes. 

The lead was doubled in the second period as Phalane was carved down in the box and then stepped up to convert the penalty he won to make it 2-0.

entertaining

Also on group A, Zimbabwe and Angola played to an entertaining 1-1 draw in their Group A opener, with Zimbabwe taking an early lead through Alpha Chiwashira from the penalty-spot after a handball.  Eswatini will meet Angola again two days later and round out their pool play against Zimbabwe on November 24 in what is a difficult group. Only the top team in each pool and the best-placed runner-up against to the semi-finals, while this year’s competition has added significance as it served as a zonal qualifier for the 2021 CAF Under-17 Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The two sides that will reach the finals at the Nelson Mandela Bay will seal their place at the continental showpiece competition.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: