Amajimbos overcome Senegal in AFCON opener despite Khumalo’s concerns

Amajimbos head coach Vela Khumalo is not entirely happy with how his side won their opening game of the Under-17 AFCON as they took a decisive step towards World Cup qualification on Thursday.

The South African national U-17 team emerged on the better side of a 2-1 scoreline against Senegal 2-1 in a Group D opener at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat, Morocco.

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The West Africans took the lead in the 44th minute after Cheikh Thior profited from a corner.

However, Inganathi Simama equalised three minutes into the second half following an assist from Aphelele Majola.

Shortly thereafter, a 25-yard drive from Reotshepile Malete deflected off the scorer of the game’s opening goal into his own net, sealing a comeback victory.

"This is what we wanted,” declared Khumalo, speaking exclusively to KickOff.

“However, it was not looking good. We did not play good football. But what matters at the moment is getting the three points, and I would say we are now one step away from qualifying for the World Cup."

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With regards to the performance, Khumalo says it's not exactly how they wanted to play, but says he knowns that they will get it right as the tournament goes forward.

"This means a lot," says the Amakhosi DDC team coach.

“We will grow with the tournament. Our target is qualifying for the World Cup, and we are very close to doing that."

They next face Algeria, who drew against Ghana in their opening match on the same day, on Sunday (18:00 SA time).