The South African U20 Men’s National Team, Amajita, got their 2025 FIFA U20 Men’s World Cup campaign back on track as they brushed aside New Caledonia 5-0 in their second match of the competition at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile in the early hours of Friday morning (SA time).
Following the 1-2 opening loss against France, coach Raymond Mdaka’s charges made amends with three first half goals and two on the other side of the break to remain in contention for a round of 16 qualification. Defender Siviwe Nkwali headed in the first goal 25 minutes into the game before Shakeel April doubled the lead on the 34th minute mark from the penalty spot after forward Siviwe Magidigidi was fouled in the box.
The latter, who was introduced into the starting line-up for the New Caledonia match, managed to get on the scoresheet a minute before the recess to give South Africa a comfortable 3-0 lead and also repay the faith of the coaches.
Amajita continued where they left off in the second half with Magidigidi grabbing his brace in the 52nd minute. Lazola Maku saved the best for last with a well-worked and well-taken team goal as the African Champions ran out convincing 5-0 winners. Mfundo Tshabalala, who was one of two changes in the starting line-up, was named Player of the Match.
They could have scored more but missed several chances, leaving Mdaka satisfied with the victory but also unhappy with some aspects of the game. So dominant was South Africa during the game that they had 32 shots (13 on target), compared to New Caledonia’s two (one on target).
“It’s a game that we wanted to win but also win with goals. We are not happy with the technical discipline of some of our players. We have our agreements, and they know how we’re supposed to play but somehow, we lost a number of opportunities to score. This is a team I think we should have scored even more than nine or 10 goals, which would have put us at an advantage when we go to the next game,” said Mdaka.
The result means the USA leads Group E with six points after they defeated a stubborn France 3-0 in an earlier match. France is second on the table followed by South Africa who are third – both have three points. New Caledonia are yet to move on the points scoreboard.
Amajita face the USA in the final group stage match on Sunday (5 October) while New Caledonia tackle young Les Bleues with a spot in the next round up for grabs – the Americans have no such worries as they have already progressed with one game to spare and will most likely be on the hunt for a top spot finish.
New Caledonia suffered a 9-1 loss against the USA in their first match of the competition and have conceded 14 goals in two matches.
