SA U23s Draw In Togo

David Notoane’s South African U23 team began their CAF U23 Afcon qualifiers with a 2-2 draw in the first leg against Togo at the Stade De Kegue in Lomé. 

It was the home team who grabbed the lead in the 20th minute, Kevin Laba firing in past Lincoln Vyver, after the South African goalkeeper couldn’t only parry Moucheri Tshakei’s well-hit cross.

Oswin Appollis tried to get South Africa straight back in it, but he fired over two minutes later. But it was 1-1 in the 28th minute, as Antonio Van Wyk showed composure to finish off from the left of goal, after a good attack by David Notoane’s team.

A minute later, Ashley Cupido was brought down in the box and South Africa were awarded a penalty. Cupido stepped up and slotted it home to make it 2-1 to South Africa in the 30th minute. South Africa almost added a third moments later, but this time Cupido’s headed attempt flew over.

Just before half-time, Togo had a decent chance to grab an equaliser from a corner, but Vyver made a good save from a goal-bound header, while at the other end, Latifu Ouro-Nimini did well to deny Appollis, and at the break it remained 2-1 to the visitors.

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The second half saw Togo continue to push for an equaliser, but Vyver and the South African defence stood firm.

Notoane’s team continued to try to manage the game, albeit with not much possession, but in 78th minute, Togo were awarded a dubious penalty and Wetchire converted to make it 2-2.

 South Africa survived a few late scares, but it ended 2-2, with Notoane’s team now in the driving seat after the two away goals.

How they lined up:

Togo: Ouro-Nimini, Wetchire, Ayivi,  Idrissou, Katawiri, Adjakly, Abalo, Agbemefa, Avotor, Tchakei, Laba

South Africa: Vyver, McCarthy, Mfecane, Dortley, Andries, Adams, Appollis, Malivha, Butsaka, Cupido, Van Wyk

In this edition of iDiski Times, we talk to former Kaizer Chiefs player Daniel Cardoso, who reveals how Steve Komphela and Eric Tinkler changed his career, he also talks about how Sekhukhune can rise up the table. We also spoke to SAFA’s new Technical Director, Walter Steenbok and the former Kaizer Chiefs scout explains how he wants fix South African football, while former Bafana Bafana international turned player agent Lance Davids shares his views on the current “soft”  generation of players and why he believes Teboho Mokoena can still go to Europe in future. We also spoke to Romain Folz, who explains his inspiration from Carlo Ancelotti, while in the rumours section we heard about Erwin Saavedra’s injury setback and Thembinkosi Lorch’s extended issues on the sidelines. Read the full edition of iDiski Times below: