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By Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Football Journalist


Crowie expecting a different game when Amajimbos take on Zambia at Afcon

'I think it will be a very open game tomorrow because both teams need to win if they want to progress in this tournament,' said Crowie.


Amajimbos will be heading into their next game in the Caf Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a need for a win, and coach Duncan Crowie says he is expecting an open game against Zambia in a Group B encounter at Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui on Wednesday.

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The South African junior national team had a bad start in the Afcon. They lost 2-0 to Morocco on Sunday. Amajimbos will be taking on a Zambia side which also suffered a defeat in their first game, after they were edged 1-0 by Nigeria.

With both teams having lost their opening respective fixtures, it will be crucial for either side to register a win in this tie to increase their chances of making it out of the group stages.

“I think it will be a very open game … because both teams need to win if they want to progress in this tournament. Both teams will be looking to go forward and create opportunities in hope that they score goals,” Crowie said.

“In Zambia I see a different opponent from Morocco. The Moroccans were very structured, sat at the back and waited for a counter-attack. Zambia is different in that they want to go forward and they score goals.”

Meanwhile, Amajimbos defender Waylon Renecke says they will be looking for revenge against Zambia. The two teams met at last year’s Under-17 Cosafa Cup, with Zambia beating South Africa 1-0 in both the group stages and final of the tournament. But, this time around, Renecke is adamant that they will be able to overcome the Zambians.

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“It will be a competitive game with both teams hoping to get three points. The two teams met in the Cosafa Cup with South Africa losing both games against Zambia and we are hoping to get revenge. We are ready and confident for the game tomorrow,” said the defender.

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