Football – 2018 COSAFA U20 Championship – Final – South Africa v Zimbabwe – Nkana Stadium
A goal from Luke Le Roux secured Amajita a 1-0 win over Burundi to book a place in the semifinals of the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Niger and subsequently a spot at the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup last Friday.
Amajita went into their final Group A match against Burundi needing a win after two draws in the opening two matches, against hosts Niger and Nigeria. It took Thabo Senong’s charges eight minutes to open the scoring from the penalty spot as Le Roux calmly found the back of the net.
Amajita will face Senegal in the semifinals, while Group A winners Nigeria clash with Mali in the other semi-final game.
The Senegalese produced a scintillating 5-1 victory over Burkina Faso in their last Group B match of the Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Maradi.
The young Lions’ who had a ready qualified to the semifinals dominated the opening exchanges in Maradi against a Burkina Faso team that was playing for pride after losing their opening two matches.
Striker Amadou Ndiaye opened the floodgates for Youssouph Dabo’s side after eight minutes when his fierce effort from out the area found the net.
Salifou Diarra came close to leveling the score on the half hour mark when danced into but fired over the goal.
Abdoul Fessal Tapsoba made no mistake when a defensive mistake allowed space in the Senegal area to volley in the equalizer after 33 minutes.
Senegal regained their lead two later through Samba Diallo’s solo goal beating three defenders before firing past the helpless keeper.
Amadou Ndiaye registered his second goal and Senegal’s third from a well taken free kick to give his side a two goal advantage heading into the break.
The 2017 finalist put the match to bet when substitute Youssouph Badji latched on to a through pass to round the keeper and taped home his third goal of the tournament and increasing Senegal’s lead.
The junior Stallions had two moments to reduce the deficit but failed on both occasions.
Winger Hugo Passega was clean through on goal instead dragged his shot wide and Abdoul Fessal failed to punish the keeper who had miscued his clearance.
Senegal continued to pile pressure on the Burkinabe who had a tough outing in Maradi.
Ousseynou Niang put the icing on the cake scoring the fifth for Senegal on stoppage time as they head into Wednesday’s second semifinals against South Africa with confidence.
Youssouph Dabo and his finished as group winners with three wins and nine goals score and one conceded while Mali join them in second after they edge Ghana 1-0 in Niamey. - Cafonline
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