South Africa’s U23 side failed to beat Congo Brazzaville on Monday evening, ending their hopes of competing in the U23 Africa Cup of Nations and Olympics.
David Notoane made four changes from his first-leg line-up with Mduduzi Shabalala, Boitumelo Radiopane, Antonio Van Wyk and Kgaogelo Chauke coming into the side.
The game seemed to be a cagey affair, with this report based on comments from SAFA’s social media channels due to no tv footage being available.
In the first half both teams had a few chances, but neither side managed to find the all-important opener.
Boitumelo Radiopane had the best chance before the break but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
With the game tied 0-0 at the break, South Africa knew they had to find a goal from somewhere because a goalless draw was enough for the hosts to progress on last week’s away goal.
Notoane range the changes in the second half, with Samkelo Zwane coming on for Chauke, Bradley Cross replacing Rushwin Dortley and Ashley Cupido coming on for Van Wyk.
However, in the end, the game remained deadlocked, meaning Congo Brazzaville advanced at the expense of Notoane’s men.
The result means that South Africa miss out on the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, which also ends their hopes of making it to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
It’s another blow for the South African Football Association, after the U20 side had already crashed out of the Cosafa U20 Championship after losing 2-1 to Mozambique in the semi-finals and missed out on qualifying for the CAF U20 Championship.
