SA U17 Down Zambia U17 In Five-Goal Thriller

South Africa U17 picked up a vital 3-2 win over Zambia U17 to revive their chances of qualifying out of the Group of Death.

After the opening day defeat to Morocco U17, the prospect of the Cosafa champions looked daunting as they lost their two previous games against the opposition.

But SA raced to a two-goal lead through Kaizer Chiefs talent Vicky Mkhawana, the first of which was a stunning left-footed strike from well outside the area.

His second saw the impressive midfield duo Gabriel Amato and Siyabonga Mabena combined before the playmaker teed up Mkhawana for his brace within the opening half hour.

It looked as if Duncan Crowie’s side would take full control but a double substitution from Zambia before the break awakened their attack with Emmanuel Mawanza scoring on either side of the break to level matters.

But Michael Dokumnu, who proved a menace all evening found the winner eight minutes from time, showing excellent composure inside the area before firing the ball beyond the flailing Shadrick Kalayti.

The win moves South Africa to three points after two games, level with second-placed Nigeria and three behind Morocco – who beat the West Africans 1-0 this afternoon.