Game of small margins as SA U17 edge closer to Afcon target

Attacking midfielder Siyabonga Mabena scored the only goal of the match to give coach Duncan Crowie the victory needed to book a place in the semi-finals of the regional tournament in Malawi.

Crowie says it was a totally different ball game compared to their 11-0 thumping of Seychelles in their opening match on Saturday.

"I knew it was going to be a tough game. We watched them against Zambia and they defended very well in the first half. I told the boys to be prepared for that and I know they are a threat when they attack,” Crowie said.

“First half they gave us a terror time and we had to work things out in the second half. I think we managed better with it. Both teams had scoring opportunities, fortunately for us we the ones that took our goal and I knew in a game like this one goal is going to win it,"

Should ‘Amajimbos’ make it to the final of the Cosafa Championship, they will automatically secure a place at Afcon as one of two teams from the region, which remains the target for Crowie.

He adds Mozambique was a good test.

"We found it very difficult to break them down. They played a lot of long balls at us.  But in the end, we came out as winners. We still have one more game to go against Zambia, most probably the toughest team in this whole group,” he explained.

“I will look at the bench and try to give everybody an opportunity to play and that is in preparation for our semi-final against whoever it is in Group A. We are looking forward to that and of course if we look at our semi-final then be through to Algeria. That is what everybody is working towards and let's see what happens on the day,"

Crowie believes they've unearthed a rare gem in Mabena. And says it won't be long before the youngster runs out for a Premier League club. 

"Mabena is a real revelation and you must keep in mind that he's only 15 years old. He can play another year or two in the under17s and I'm sure teams are watching his performance in these two games; a lot of professional teams will be after his signature. Fantastic little player, we must just keep him grounded," he concluded.