SA U-17 coach reveals reason for loss to Zambia

South Africa under-17 boys national team coach Duncan Crowie has rued Amajimbos 1-0 loss to Zambia in Lilongwe on Wednesday evening.

Duncan Crowie made eight changes to the Amajimbos squad that went on to succumb to Marcel Zimba’s 49th-minute strike at Bingu National Stadium in a COSAFA U17 Championship game.

DUNCAN CROWIE INSISTS SQUAD CHANGES NO EXCUSE FOR DEFEAT

Crowie insisted that even with the changes, they should have scored from the many chances created.

“I knew it was going to be a tough game but my players competed against a team like Zambia.

“We rested quite a few players but that is not an excuse, whenever we put a team everyone wants to compete,” Duncan Crowie said.

He added: “I am happy with how we finished the game. Unfortunately, we could not get a goal from the goal scoring opportunities we created.

“We are not happy with the result, but I am happy that we are through to the semifinals.”

Zambia coach Ian Bakala said his game-plan worked as he expected Amajimbos to reshuffle the line-up.

“We knew that South Africa would make a lot of changes. They have a good side. As I said, we knew it was going to be tough but we would come out victorious,” Bakala said.

BOTH TEAMS MET AFTER ALREADY SECURING SEMIFINAL BERTHS

South Africa went into the Group B match of the AFCON Under-17 qualifier for Cosafa after already securing a semifinal berth.

Zambia, too, were guaranteed a last-four place but they still had to play against South Africa to determine a top finisher.

In the end, Zambia prevailed and now date Botswana in the semifinal on Friday.

South Africa meet Group A leaders Malawi on the same day.

There is plenty at stake at the competition as the overall best two teams will qualify for the 2023 AFCON Under-17 finals scheduled for Algeria.

The tournament in Malawi is being held as part of the Region 5 Games.

Malawi is hosting the games at the Lilongwe stadium and Griffin Saenda indoor court for other sports codes.

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