South Africa's U23 team, led by coach Raymond Mdaka, kicked off their 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers with a narrow 1-0 win over Madagascar at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. The team's only goal came from substitute Quwan Plaatjies, who scored late in the second half. This win gives South Africa an away goal in what was effectively Madagascar's home match, played in Pretoria due to Madagascar's lack of suitable facilities that meet CAF and Fifa standards.
Mdaka expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's performance, stating that he would have been pleased had they scored more goals against a stubborn Madagascar side. He attributed the team's frustration to their inability to convert chances into goals. Despite the win, Mdaka emphasized that the job is far from done and wants his side to show more commitment in the return leg. The two teams will meet again on Tuesday at 8pm at the same venue, with the winner to face either Rwanda or Cameroon in the third round.
Mdaka highlighted the improvement in football among Cosafa teams, stating that there is no team that can be looked down upon. He cited Madagascar as an example, saying that they were a closed book before their match but now South Africa knows what to expect heading into the return leg. The team's technical analysis of the opposition will help them understand the kind of players they are up against and their style of play.
The South African team went into the game without any technical analysis of the opposition, who on the other hand, knew all about them. Mdaka noted that seeing the opposition once means 50% of what they are doing is already mapped out. He expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, saying that all is good for them, and they are looking forward to the next game on Tuesday.
Mdaka also mentioned that he always thinks twice about playing certain teams, but he believes that football has improved a lot among the Cosafa teams. He emphasized that Madagascar was a tough opponent, and the team will have to be more committed in the return leg to secure a win. The team's performance in the first leg will help them prepare for the return match.
The win over Madagascar has given South Africa a significant advantage, but Mdaka is cautious, saying that the job is far from done. He wants his side to maintain their focus and show more commitment in the return leg to secure a win. The team's strategy and style of play will be crucial in determining the outcome of the return match.
The return leg between South Africa and Madagascar will be played on Tuesday at 8pm at Lucas Moripe Stadium. The winner of the tie will face either Rwanda or Cameroon in the third round of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers. Mdaka and his team will have to be more clinical in their finishing and maintain their defensive solidity to secure a win and progress to the next round.
Key points
- South Africa's U23 team secured a 1-0 win over Madagascar in their 2028 Olympic Games qualifier.
- Coach Raymond Mdaka expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance, citing the need for more goals.
- The two teams will meet again on Tuesday, with the winner to face either Rwanda or Cameroon in the third round.
