Notoane still hopeful of U23 AFCON qualification

Amaglug-glug head coach David Notoane has stayed upbeat about his side’s chances of qualifying for the 2023 Morocco U23 AFCON.  

This is after the South Africa Under-23 Men’s national team played out to a 2-all draw with Togo in an away first leg of the AFCON Second Round qualifier on Sunday.

However, Notoane was satisfied with how Amaglug-glug played, declaring his side are nearly there and hoping to finish the job in Johannesburg. 

Antonio van Wyk and Ashley Cupido’s away goals put Notoane’s charges in a good chance to progress to the next round of the qualifiers. 

The return leg will take place at Orlando Stadium on Sunday, 30 October. 

Notoane anticipates his troops to be in a good state in the return encounter and produce fruitful results. 

NOTOANE SPEAKS… 

“Overall, based on our journey coming here, the challenges we faced, one is very pleased with the result,” said Notoane.

“We scored two away goals against a team I believe we are capable of beating in South Africa.

“We are looking forward to finishing the job back home in Johannesburg.

The 53-year-old mentor continued: “West Africa is different and we had a difficult time in the second period, coming out of our own half.

“They put a lot of pressure on us, with some dubious decisions from the referee. 

“This helped them gain territorial ground against us, but I think the boys did very well under the circumstances. This gave us a very good idea of one or two things we need to change.

“I think we are good to go to the return match and turn the tie around. The match worked out the way we expected in terms of our planning.”