WeeklySA_AdminRESILIENCE: Buoyed by a spirited comeback victory over Senegal, South Africa’s under-17 side now face another stern examination against hosts Algeria in a crucial TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Group C showdown in Morocco…
By WSAM Reporter
South Africa’s Amajimbos will head into their next TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations clash with renewed belief after a dramatic comeback victory over Senegal, but a tougher challenge now awaits against an Algerian side equally charged with momentum.
The South Africans produced one of the standout performances of the opening round after rallying from behind to defeat Senegal 2-1 in Morocco on Thursday.
Amajimbos showed resilience and character after trailing at halftime when Senegal’s Cheickh Thior struck shortly before the break.
But South Africa responded almost immediately after the restart, with Inganathi Simama levelling matters in the 48th minute before an own goal by Thior completed the turn-around seven minutes later.
The victory has placed the South Africans firmly in contention for a quarter-final place and strengthened confidence inside the camp ahead of their showdown with Algeria. Yet, Sunday’s encounter promises to be another high-intensity battle. Algeria also enter the fixture with confidence after staging an impressive fightback of their own in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Ghana.
The North Africans looked on the verge of collapse after conceding twice within the opening 11 minutes as Ghana’s Isaac Barfo and Eric Gyamfi stunned the hosts with an explosive start.
However, Algeria responded strongly after halftime. Ilyes Grini pulled one back in the 58th minute before Melwane Zaidi equalised just two minutes later in a rapid comeback that revived the home supporters and showcased the team’s attacking threat.
The result means both South Africa and Algeria enter the match carrying momentum after showing fighting spirit in their opening fixtures.
For Amajimbos coach Vela Khumalo, the key challenge will now be ensuring his side maintain defensive discipline while coping with the pressure of facing tournament hosts backed by passionate support.
South Africa showed impressive composure under pressure against Senegal, particularly after taking the lead, defending resolutely to frustrate the West Africans’ late attacks.
That defensive resilience could again become crucial against an Algerian side likely to attack aggressively in search of a first win of the tournament.
The clash is also expected to showcase two contrasting styles – South Africa’s direct transitions and energetic pressing against Algeria’s technical possession-based approach.
A second victory for Amajimbos would place them in a commanding position to qualify for the knockout rounds and move closer to securing one of Africa’s coveted FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification places.
But with Algeria desperate to build on their comeback against Ghana and eager to impress home supporters, South Africa can expect one of their sternest tests yet in Morocco.
