U-20 World Cup: South Africa storm past New Caledonia

South Africa’s Amajita ran out to an expected victory over New Caledonia on Thursday evening with a 5-0 result in Group E action from the U-20 World Cup.

Facing a team composed entirely of amateur players, a lopsided victory was expected and Amajita got the job done to keep themselves in contention to qualify for the knockout stages after falling to France in their opener. Siviwe Magidigidi scored twice along with goals from Shakeel April, Siviwe Nkwali and Lazola Maku.

New Caledonia did well to avoid the disastrous start they had against the United States but the inevitable breakthrough came for Amajita in the 25th minute when a short corner kick led to Nkwali’s header. April doubled the lead less than ten minutes later from the penalty spot before Magidigidi tallied his first before halftime.

Soon after halftime, Magidigidi added his second from an excellent pass by Mfundo Vilakazi, his second assist of the evening. Jody Ah Shene, who came on at halftime, assisted the final goal in the 80th minute when he laid his pass back for Maku to fire in from distance.

South Africa end Group E play against the United States on Sunday, who lead the group after dismantling France 3-0 earlier on Thursday. Amajita sit in second place on three points, ahead of France on goal difference and three points back from the USA.