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Mixed fortunes for SA

Written by ShaunJ

This is an article about the NT and U/20 team's matches that were played on 9 Dec 2011.

National Team

SA (110) played Senegal (116) in Cameroon in front of almost 19000 fans.

Both teams started with the same formations but differed in tactics; SA focused more on giving their special skilled players more of the ball while Senegal let their defense do the talking before sending the ball up field again.

SA had a great start to the game and Mwatiwa scored with a beautiful long shot in the fifth minute to hand SA a 1-0 lead and some confidence for the rest of the game.

Senegal never threatened in the first half and SA took a well deserved lead after 45mins. Senegal dominated possession though with 52% to SA’s 48%.

SA swapped keepers in the 50th minute with Orr being replaced by the younger Scarrow.

Lutuli had a great chance to score in the 80th minute but his shot was horrible and SA missed the chance to close the game off.

Shortly before the end of the game Senegal pulled a goal back when Gandega placed the corner kick in the hands of the more inexperienced Scarrow who couldn’t take it cleanly and allowed Gassama to score the equalizer.

SA will definitely regret missing the chance to score the 2nd goal as a 1-1 draw is a bit of a disappointment. Senegal can be happy with drawing against opponents who are ranked higher, even if it is only six places.

U/20 Team

The improving SA team (31) traveled to Lebanon (104) as firm favorites when these two teams faced off in front of over 103000 fans.

Sa needed a win to keep their qualification hopes in sight and Lebanon started the game basically playing for pride.

Toolan who plays in Austria’s 6th division opened the scoring in the 12th minute to confirm SA’s favorites tag.

Lebanon starting showing some confidence after that and after 21mins, Itani found the woodwork with a cracking shot. Askanazyan almost equalized in the 29th minute but Sewale positioned himself beautifully to make the save.

SA’s Chisiza tried to give SA a 2-0 lead but was denied by the woodwork. Halftime score Lebanon 0 SA 1.

Shortly after the hour mark passed, Kweneyane pounced on a mistake from Lebanon to make the score 2-0 for the youngsters.

Helou of Lebanon scored their first goal in the 79th minute after being brought on 3mins earlier, should’ve done it earlier coach.

SA started fading away after 85mins but held on for a 1-2 victory and well deserved to. The SA U/20 side will play USA next in what will be a very tough match as USA is currently ranked in the top 20 in the world.

Good luck to both SA teams!