Helman Mkhalele, coach of the South Africa U-20 team. Pic: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
The South Africans went into their last Group B game needing a win against Lesotho and they did just that on Tuesday, hammering their opponents 4-0 at the Nkoloma Stadium.
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“I would like to congratulate the boys for the resilience they showed especially after the draw against Madagascar,” said the Amajita mentor. “I’m so proud that they took their chances because in the game against Madagascar we created a lot of chances and we missed a number of them. I believe we should have won that game.
“But realising how important it was for us to win today, the boys responded well and we are happy we are through to the semifinals.
“Now that makes it more realistic that we stand a strong chance of defending a trophy.”
READ: How Mkhalele talk helped Amajita
Mkhalele went into this game with one of his key players Oswin Appollis suspended for the match. But his message to the players was to go out there and take the opportunity.
Amajita will now face off with Madagascar for the second time in the tournament when the two sides clash for a spot in the final at the same venue today.
They met in the group stages and played to a goalless draw.
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