The South African Under-20 Women’s national team beat neighbours Zimbabwe 4-0 in a hard-fought semi final in the 2016 edition of the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
In the first half Zimbabwe had clearly tightened their defence and corrected their errors that had seen them concede six goals against South Africa in the last group stage on Wednesday, but it all fell apart in the second half when Basetsana, got their first goal just six minutes into play.
Goals from Linda Motlhalo, Karabo Dlamini and a brace from Sibulele Molweni booked them a place in the final.
While Namibia earned their first big win when they beat hosts Angola 4-0, booking them their spot in the final against South Africa; in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
This match will be played on Saturday, December 17 at 18h30 local time at 11 de Novembro Stadium.
The Zimbabwe men’s team had a much better day on the pitch as they managed to beat Swaziland 5-4 on penalties, after having to come back from behind to book their spot in Sunday’s final to be held at Coqueiros Stadium, in Luanda.
A spectacular first half shot by Nicholas Guyo in the 31st minute gave Zimbabwe the halftime lead however; they conceded very early in the second half when Tatenda Muringani headed the ball into his own net, and giving Swaziland the equalizer.
Leon Manyisa was brought into the match in the second half to try and salvage something for Swaziland and he did just that, with a beautiful goal in the 59th minute to give them the lead. Which did not last too long as Kuda Mangami equalized in the 74th minute after three consecutive saves from Sisekelo Maseko.
The local fans will be glad to see host of the 2016 edition of the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games in the final. Angola had to dig deep and look to their “12 player”, the supporters to get a shocking win over log leaders Zambia; in the second semi final played.
After a 1-1 score line at the end of the match, Angola managed to win 5-4 on penalties.
The men’s final will be between Zimbabwe and host Angola on Sunday, 18 December 2016 at Coqueiros Stadium. Kickoff is 17h00 local time.
FRIDAY’S RESULTS
Women’s Competition
South Africa 4 Zimbabwe 0
Namibia 3 Angola 0
Men’s Competition
Zimbabwe 2 Swaziland 2 – Zimbabwe won 5-4 on penalties
Angola 1 Zambia 1 – Angola won 5-4 on penalties
SATURDAY’S FIXTURES
Women’s Third-Place Play-Off – Kick-Off 16h00 (15h00 GMT)
Angola vs Zimbabwe – 11 de November
Women’s Final – Kick-Off 18h30 (17h30 GMT)
South Africa vs Namibia – 11 de November
Men’s Third-Place Play-Off – Kick-Off 15h30 (14h30 GMT)
Zambia vs Swaziland – InterClube
