South Africa’s Under-23s secured a narrow 1-0 win over Madagascar in the first leg of their CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Raymond Mdaka’s side controlled much of an entertaining match but needed a late goal to claim an advantage before Tuesday’s return fixture in Madagascar.
South Africa began with clear attacking intent, although they were unable to make their early chances count. Sekhukhune United striker Thabang Mahlangu was presented with an opportunity to open the scoring after nine minutes, but he could not convert.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Letlhaku then missed another promising chance. Shandre Campbell’s delivery towards the far post picked him out, but Letlhaku was unable to produce the finish required.
Madagascar gradually settled into the match and began to put pressure on South Africa’s defensive shape. Their threat became more pronounced after half-time, with Patricio particularly influential in advanced positions.
His movement and third-man runs created problems for Mdaka’s defence, prompting the South Africa coach to make changes in an attempt to regain control of the contest.
Mdaka responded with a triple substitution, bringing on Thato Sibiya, Nhlanhla Gasa and Quwan Plaatjies during the second half. The changes gave South Africa fresh energy in attack.
Plaatjies almost had an immediate impact when he rose to meet a dangerous ball into the penalty area. His header appeared to be heading into the net, but Madagascar produced an excellent goal-line clearance.
South Africa continued to search for the opening goal rather than accept a draw. Mahlangu had gone close earlier after cutting inside from the near side and sending his effort narrowly wide.
The breakthrough came inside the final 10 minutes. Captain Neo Rapoo delivered a precise corner into the penalty area, where Plaatjies met it with a powerful header that flew into the top of the net.
The goal rewarded Mdaka’s decision to introduce additional attacking options and gave South Africa a valuable lead to defend in the second leg.
Plaatjies came close to scoring again two minutes before the final whistle when he attempted a first-time shot from the far side of the penalty area. Madagascar, however, kept the final margin to one goal.
South Africa held on for victory, but their advantage remains slender ahead of Tuesday’s return encounter. They will need to complete the job in Madagascar to progress in the CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Mdaka’s team can take confidence from eventually finding a way through after failing to convert several earlier opportunities, while Madagascar will look to overturn the deficit on home ground.
