Mdaka reacts to Amajita’s AFCON quarterfinal qualification

Raymond Mdaka has expressed satisfaction after his troops, the South African Under-20 National Team, sealed a spot in the quarterfinals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

On Friday night, Amajita engaged in a tense battle against Zambia at the Suez Canal Stadium, ending in a 1-1 draw that proved crucial for their U-20 Africa Cup of Nations ambitions.

The encounter played at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium began at a high tempo, with Kutlwano Letlhaku putting South Africa ahead in the 8th minute, capitalising on a quick break orchestrated by Mfundo Vilakazi.

But Zambia responded rapidly, with Bonephanseo Phiri equalising just four minutes later, slotting home a cross from David Hamansenya from the centre of the box.

However, the draw was enough to propel the SA U-20 team to the summit of Group A as they had a superior goal difference. They edged out Sierra Leone, who also finished with seven points thanks to a draw against Zambia and wins over Tanzania and Egypt.

SA U-20 Mdaka had anticipated a challenging game against Zambia and their fellow COSAFA nation lived up to that expectation with a spirited performance.

“Our game against Zambia in the final group stage match, we knew it would be a bit tricky because of the margin of the points,” said Mdaka.

“They wanted a win at all costs, so they had to put in almost everything because the draw wasn’t enough for them, but fortunately, we knew how they played.

“We were caught up on something that we have analysed, we have seen, but we were able to quickly get cover and see how best we did with the captain, who was the number 11 and a brilliant individual player.

“In the second half, as much as we could not play well offensively, we were able to manage the situation because we knew the 1-1 draw was in favour of our side.”

Mdaka and his troops will now turn their attention to the quarterfinal stages, where they will take on DR Congo at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday, 12 May 2025.