A total of 14 goals were scored on Day 2 of the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON Egypt 2023 COSAFA Qualifiers, as the quest for a place in next year’s continental showpiece continues in Eswatini.
Action at the Mavuso stadium produced 11 goals as Angola cruised past Lesotho 5-0 before Mozambique put Seychelles to the sword with a 5-1 victory.
The Somhlolo Stadium had very evenly balanced fixtures that were won by small margins as Malawi overcame South Africa 2-0 before Comoros caused the first upset of the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Namibia.
For the first match at Somhlolo, Amajita started off the better side with their traditional build up play in the opening minutes to keep their opponents starved of possession.
The deadlock was almost broken in the 18th minute when Gontse Manya fired a grass-cutting shot which went narrowly wide off target.
However, it was a lapse of concentration by Amajita that saw Malawi get the opener in the 25th minute after a powerful header by Vincent Mkandawire from a corner rebounded off the keeper for the lanky striker to fire home and give his side the lead.
Amajita kept probing with their good interchange of passes in the middle of the park, but the resolute defense of the Young Flames kept them at bay.
Manya almost levelled matters for South Africa in the 36th minute after an ambitious strike from outside the box was parried away to safety by the alert Austin Chirambo. Coming into the second half, the Young Flames looked to quickly double the lead and were unlucky to be denied after Chikumbutso Salima found himself in a good scoring position, but his shot was saved by Aden Dreyer.
Mduduzi Tshabalala, who was a constant threat in the opening half almost levelled matters in the 52ndminute with a good strike after beating his man before sending a fierce strike that went inches over the bar. The skillful forward was back in action a minute later after good interchange play, but his effort was fisted out of danger by Chirambo.
The South Africans continued to press for the equalizer, adding more numbers upfront which resulted in the Young Flames capitalizing on this when a quick counter in the 66th minute concluded with a cross by Salima which was met by captain Chifundo Mphasi, who made no mistake in firing home from close range to make it 2-0.
The lead could have been reduced a minute later after a penalty was awarded for a handball in the box for Tshabalala’s spot kick to be denied by Chirambo who went on to be named man of the match.
Substitute Mohau Kota, who added the much-needed fire power almost pulled one back for Amajita after doing well to find space in a crowded box but was unfortunate to see his strike go wide in the 75th minute.
Another glorious opportunity fell in the way of Puso Dithejane in the 85th minute, who was unlucky not to get a goal after pulling his shot inches wide off target as the Young Flames held on to a hard fought 2-0 victory that sees them top group C.
Meanwhile at the Mavuso Stadium, Angola comfortably cruised to a 5-0 victory over a hapless Lesotho in the opening match of group B.
Two quick succession goals in the 27th and 28th minute by Diogenes Inacio and Isaac Vidal saw Angola take a firm grip on the match to put Lesotho on the backfoot.
The quick lead saw Lesotho losing concentration and conceding another two in the 41st and 42nd minute thanks to another goal by Inacio which was followed by a Danilson Makokisa strike to make it 4-0 before the break.
Dikwena started off the second half with great determination in search of a confidence boosting goal but found a very well-structured Angolan defense who kept their shape throughout the match.
Another lapse of concentration by the Lesotho defense saw them conceding an unnecessary foul in the 80thminute for Antonio Lopes to comfortably convert from the spot to make it 5-0 to Angola and top the group.
The Comoros caused the first major upset of the competition with a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia in the final fixture at Somhlolo.
As expected, it was the 2020 silver medalists who had the lion’s share of possession in the opening half as Comoros fought off the continuous attacks.
The islanders looked dangerous at times when going forward, with the trio of Nawir Maoulida, Yakine Said and Andilidine Baco combining well in transitional play.
Coming into the second stanza, Comoros looked the better side and almost broke the deadlock when Said almost found the roof of the net from close range with the keeper well beaten after a good interchange of passes in the box.
The Islanders eventually did the unthinkable when Glenn Younousse found the back of the net with a well taken strike to the surprise of their opponents.
Defending champions, Mozambique put out a strong statement at the Mavuso Stadium with a 5-1 drubbing of Seychelles in their opening match of their title defense.
The reigning champions took hold of the game as expected with a series of attacks that pinned the islanders in their own half.
The deadlock was eventually broken by Antonio Sumbane who capitalized on the keeper being off his line with a well taken strike in the 14th minute to make it 1-0 before the break.
The Islanders were caught napping at the start of the second half as a goal by Chamito Alfandega doubled the scoreline before Denio Munhave put the game beyond reach with a well taken strike in the 55th minute.
The champions capitalized on the low morale of Seychelles as Djwa Ramos found a brace towards the end of the match while Jahni Nourice found the consolation goal to make it 5-1 to the champions in an avalanche of goals at Mavuso stadium.
Action resumes tomorrow in group A as the Somhlolo stadium plays host to Botswana and Mauritius in the 12h00 kick-off. Both sides come into the clash licking their wounds after suffering defeats in their opening matches on Friday.
The day officially concludes with group leaders, Zambia facing a spirited Eswatini side who will have the backing of the supporters following their impressive victory in their opening match against Botswana.
SATURDAY’S RESULTS
Angola 5 (Diogenes Inacio 27’, 41’, Isaac Vidal 28’, Denilson Makokisa 42’, Antonio Lopes 80’) Lesotho 0 | Mavuso Stadium
South Africa 0 Malawi 2 (Vincent Mkandawire 25’, Chifundo Mphasi 66’) | Somhlolo Stadium.
Namibia 0 Comoros 1 (Samuel Betombo 77’) | Somhlolo Stadium
Mozambique 5 (Antonio Sumbane 14’, Chamito Alfandega 46’, Denio Munhave 55’, Djwa Ramos 79’ 80’) Seychelles (0) | Mavuso Stadium
SUNDAY FIXTURES
Botswana v Mauritius
Eswatini v Zambia
STANDINGS
| GROUP A | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| Zambia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Eswatini | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Botswana | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| Mauritius | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
| GROUP B | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| Angola | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| Mozambique | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Seychelles | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
| Lesotho | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
| GROUP C | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| Malawi | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Comoros | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Namibia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -1 | -1 | 0 |
| South Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
TOURNAMENT STATS
Matches Played: 6
Goals scored: 20
Biggest victory: Angola 5 Lesotho 0, Mozambique 5 Seychelles 0 (08 October 2022)
Most goals in a game: 6 (08 October 2022)
GOALSCORERS
2 goals – Rickson Ng’ambi (Zambia), Diogenes Inacio (Angola), Djwa Ramos (Mozambique), Denio Munhave (Mozambique)
1 goals – Chipyoka Songa (Zambia), Nonofo Mosweunyane (Botswana), Mayibongwe Mabuza (Eswatini), Vincent Mkandawire (Malawi), Chifundo Mphasi (Malawi), Danilson Makokisa (Angola), Isaac Vidal (Angola), Antonio Lopes (Angola), Antonio Sumbane (Mozambique), Glen Younousse (Comoros), Chamito Alfandega (Mozambique)
OWN GOAL
1 goal – Nonofo Mosweunyane (Botswana
Des buts et encore des buts
Une journée remplie de buts. C’est ainsi que l’on pourrait qualifier celle de samedi où
quatre rencontres étaient au programme de la TotalEnergies AFCON U20 Egypt 2023 |
COSAFA Qualifier. Un total de 14 buts a été inscrit par les divers adversaires.
L’Angola et le Mozambique ont été les plus prolifiques. Les Comores, pour leur part, ont remporté leur
premier succès dans l’histoire de la COSAFA pour cette catégorie d’âge face au malheureux
finaliste de 2020.
Le carton du jour est à mettre au crédit de l’Angola. Les Jeunes Antilopes noires ont
aisément pris la mesure du Lesotho (5-0) avec notamment un doublé de Diogenes Inácio.
Sans aucun doute, cette victoire démontre parfaitement les ambitions des Angolais dans
cette compétition. Lopes a planté le dernier but des Rouge et Noir sur un pénalty facilement
transformé. Vidal et Makokisa ont donné plus d’ampleur au score, assurant ainsi la première
place aux Angolais avec un matelas confortable de but.
L’Afrique du Sud, détentrice du record de victoire dans cette catégorie d’âge, a souffert face
au Malawi samedi. Face à un jeu résolument tourné de l’avant, les Amajitas se sont inclinés
2-0 pour leur entrée en lice. Mkandawire a d’abord ouvert la marque peu avant la demi-
heure de jeu (25e). Malgré ce but, l’Afrique du Sud a maintenu la pression sur les Juniors
Flames. Ces derniers ont toutefois fait preuve de patience et juste après l’heure de jeu,
Mphasi se chargeait de d’assurer les trois points pour le Malawi.
Le Mozambique a longtemps buté face aux Seychelles avant de pouvoir faire feu de tout
bois. En fait, le champion en titre a simplement annoncé la couleur et montré à ses
prétendants qu’il comptait se battre jusqu’au bout pour conserver son bien. Sumbane a
d’abord ouvert le score à la 14 e minute en profitant du fait que le portier seychellois soit un
peu décalé par rapport à sa ligne pour décocher un tir en dehors de la surface de réparation.
Chamito (46 e ) et Dénio (55 e ) donneront ensuite plus de relief au score avant que Djwa
Ramos n’inscrivent un doublé en deux minutes à la 79 e d’abord puis à la 80 e .
La Namibie, finaliste malheureux de la dernière édition, est passée à côté de son premier
match. Face aux Comores, les Namibiens se sont faits surprendre par l’impact physique des
joueurs originaires de l’océan Indien et par vitesse d’exécution. Les Comoriens réaliseront le
hold-up à la 86 e minute lorsque Glenn Younousse, profitant d’un cafouillage dans la surface,
offrait les trois points aux Comores.
Il y aura de la casse ce dimanche dans le groupe A. D’abord c’est de la position du leader
qu’il sera question. Un duel qui promet donc des étincelles et qui opposera la Zambie à
l’Eswatini. Dans l’autre rencontre, le Botswana sera aux prises avec Maurice.
Les deux formations ont été battues au terme de leur match inaugural et leur marge est désormais
réduite. Elles ont toutes les deux besoin de victoire pour continuer à exister dans la
compétition.
La Zambie a fait forte impression pour ses débuts dans la compétition en atomisant Maurice
3-0 jeudi. Du coup, les Zambien ont l’occasion de valider leur billet pour la finale en cas de
nouveau succès ce dimanche. Mais les Young Chipopolos sauront à qui parler aujourd’hui.
En effet, l’Eswatini n’a clairement pas l’intention de décevoir son public. D’ailleurs, ses
joueurs ont montré de très bonnes dispositions vendredi. Ils n’ont jamais abdiqué bien que
se pointait un partage de points.
Pour Maurice et le Botswana, l’équation est simple. Il faudra gagner. Tout autre résultat les
rapprochera soit vers l’élimination où les éliminera simplement. En effet, les deux équipes
ont été battues en entrée.
Elles se retrouvent en délicate position avent le match de ce dimanche prévu au Somhlolo Stadium. Sans aucun doute, elles se rendront coup pour coup.
Angola e Moçambique estreiam com goleadas
A Selecção Sub-20 de Futebol de Angola goleou, hoje, em Mavuso Stadium, a sua congénere do Lesotho por contundentes 5-0, em jogo a contar para primeira jornada do Grupo B, da 28ª edição da Taça COSAFA da categoria, que arrancou ontem em Manzini, Eswatini. Por seu turno, o campeão em título, Moçambique iniciou a defesa pelo título vencendo as Seychelles por 5-1. Em 2019, os “Mambinhas” derrotaram os mesmos adversários por 3-1, na edição realizada em Lusaka, Zâmbia.
No Grupo C, os sul-africanos (com oito títulos) baquearam na recepção do Malawi por 2-0, enquanto a Namíbia, vice-campeão, perdeu para as Comores por tangenciais 1-0.
Entretanto, amanhã será a vez do Grupo A entrar em cena. Com efeito, Botswana e Maurícias, ambas derrotadas na primeira jornada, medirão foças entre si no Somhlolo Stadium (12.00 horas), enquanto Eswatini e Zâmbia, decidirão a liderança no grupo quando forem 15.30 horas, no mesmo terreno.
Depois de na edição passada terem perdido para a Namíbia (1-0), nas meias-finais, os angolanos treinados por Domingos Silva, tiveram uma estreia auspiciosa após vencer o Lesotho por expressivos 5-0.
Desde cedo, os “Palanquinhas” deixaram claro as suas intenções e exerceram uma forte pressão sobre os seus adversários na zona do último terço do ataque. Uma estratégia que surtiu resultados positivos, depois de alguma resistência da parte do Lesotho que durou até o minuto 26.
Foi precisamente no minuto 27 que o festival de golos começou. Diógenes Inácio (27´), meio-campista a serviço do 1º de Agosto de Angola, escancarou o caminho para vitória retumbante marcando o primeiro golo, numa jogada combinada. Um minuto depois, foi a vez de Isaac Vidal (28´) alargar a vantagem com um cabeceamento que originou o segundo golo.
Espevitados com o resultado, os representantes de Angola agigantaram-se encostando os sutus às cordas. Perspicaz e calculista, Diógenes voltou a dar o ar da sua graça ao bater de livre directo Maqebo Temana a passagem do minuto 42. Logo após a reposição da bola, Angola voltou a liderar no marcador, desta feita com o golo a ser apontado pelo avançado do AFA (Angola), Danilson Makokisa (42´).
Na segunda etapa, o Lesotho procurou reverter a história o jogo, debalde. Abatidos psicologicamente, os treinados de Bafokeng Mohapi (Lesotho), claudicaram e permitiram que Angola chegasse ao 5-0, através da cobrança de uma grande penalidade convertida pelo capitão António Lopes aos 80 minutos.
Uma vitória confortável que certamente levará Angola mais confiante no próximo embate frente a sua similar de Angola, nesta segunda-feira, às 15.30 horas, no Somhlolo Stadium. De resto, este será o segundo embate entre dois países irmãos e falantes da língua portuguesa, no que a esta competição diz respeito. Em 2019 em Lusaka, Zâmbia, os angolanos levaram a melhor vencendo os actuais campeões (Moçambique) por tangenciais 1-0, mercê do tento solitário de Ambrósini (53´).
Segundo o regulamento da prova, as equipas estão dispostas em três grupos (ABC), em que transitam para as meias-finais apenas os primeiros melhores classificados de cada e o segundo melhor de todos.
Anotar que é nesta competição onde sairão os representantes da zona para o Campeonato Africano das Nações (CAN) que terá lugar no Egipto em 2023. Segundo a Confederação Africana de Futebol (CAF), cada zona organizará um torneio que qualificará os seus representantes.
