Maku’s cracker seals Amajitas’ first FIFA U20 World Cup win
Noordwyks Secondary’s Lazola Maku put the cherry on top of an already commanding performance by Amajita when he unleashed a spectacular left-footed shot from the edge of the box in the 80th minute.
Noordwyk Secondary School’s Grade 12 learner, Lazola ‘Kanté’ Maku, was on the scoresheet for South Africa’s U20 national team in their emphatic 5-0 victory over New Caledonia in a FIFA U20 World Cup Group E clash on October 2.
The 18-year-old midfielder played the full 90 minutes and put the cherry on the top with a thunderous left-footed strike inside the D-line, capping off a dominant performance from the African champions. His memorable goal came in the 80th minute, securing Amajita’s first win of the tournament.
The encounter played at Estadio El Teniente, Rancagua, saw South Africa enter the match under pressure after a narrow 2-1 loss to France on September 29, while New Caledonia were licking their wounds following an 8-0 thrashing by the United States.
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Coach Raymond Mdaka’s side wasted no time asserting themselves, with Siviwe Nkwali opening the scoring in the 26th minute. Shakeel April doubled the lead from the penalty spot before halftime, while Siviwe Magidigidi added a brace with goals on either side of the break.
New Caledonia’s attempts at a comeback fell short, and Maku’s cracker in the closing stages put the seal on an impressive team display.
The result leaves Amajita in third place in Group E with three points, trailing leaders the United States, who top the table with six points after victories over both France and New Caledonia. France sits second with three points, edging South Africa on head-to-head results.
Amajita will next face the United States on October 5 in a crucial encounter that could decide their progression to the knockout stages.
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