SA U23 Progress After Togo Draw

South Africa U23s booked their place in the next round of CAF U23 Cup of Nations qualifiers after a goalless draw against Togo at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The first leg in Togo had ended 2-2 last week, and South Africa progressed on the away goal rule.

There were a number of changes in both teams, with David Notoane selecting five new faces in his starting line-up, and the home team looked to take control, and did so for the opening ten minutes, dominating possession, as they patiently looked for a breakthrough. 

However, they weren’t able to take advantage and it was Togo who had the first real chance in the 13th minute, as Bruno Avotor tried to catch Lincoln Vyver off his line, but the South African goalkeeper was able to make the save, although at first glance it seemed Vyver was out of his area when he did so. That indiscretion went unpunished, but it did see the momentum swing, as the visitors were buoyed by the chance.

Ntando Nkosi shot over with a long-range attempt in the 22nd minute, while Togo went close again in the 25th minute, this time the woodwork denying Avotor. Moments later South Africa had a penalty call turned down. Aidan McCarthy tried a long-range attempt in the 38th minute, but it went high and wide, while Nkosi forced a save in the 43rd minute with another shot from outside the box.

Just before half-time, Togo could’ve had a penalty, but the referee waved play on as Avotor and Vyver collided, and at the break, the second leg remained goalless.

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Kevin Laba shot over in the 51st minute as Togo looked to upset the apple cart. It was the West Africans who were getting early second-half chances, but Vyver dealt with any early dangers.

South Africa started to take control again and should have been in front in the 62nd minute after some good work from Ashley Cupido, who rounded the goalkeeper but was unable to get a shot off as he and substitute Chumani Butsaka failed to combine, and Togo were able to clear.

Omega Mdaka’s header went wide in the 70th minute, while Butsaka’s well-struck shot in the 76th minute forced a save from Aklesso Kpemin.

Notoane’s team managed the final minutes, and while there were a few late scares, they held on for the aggregate win.

They will now meet the winners between Tunisia and Congo in the final qualifying round for a place at the CAF finals.

How they started:

South Africa XI: Vyver, Mdaka, McCarthy, Dortley, Mfecane, Tshobeni, Nkosi, Zwane, Ndlovu, Appollis Cupido

Togo XI: Kpemin, Ayivi, Wetchire, Katawiri, Idrissou, Kouyara, Avotor, Laba, Adjakly, Abalo, Agbemefa

In this edition of iDiski Times, we talk to former Cape Town City striker Fagrie Lakay about his first season in Egypt and finishing above record champions Al Ahly. We also spoke to CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba about the African Super League and Patrice Motsepe, while Dylan Kerr opened up on his Swallows exit and the financial troubles at the club. We also spoke to former Banyana Banyana player Nthabeleng Dunga Modiko, who turned into a coach and won three cup finals with UJ. There is also a feature on the Surprise Standout Players in the DStv Premiership this season so far and the usual rumours section, where we heard that AmaZulu could chase a Mamelodi Sundowns coach. Read the full edition of iDiski Times below: