South African Under-17 team beat Zambia 3-2 in an entertaining Under-17 Africa Nations Cup match in Constantine.
Duncan Crowie’s side opened the tournament with a 1-0 defeat to Morocco and needed to beat Zambia to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
Vicky Mkhawana scored a brace to give South Africa a 2-0 but Zambia came back with two goals to level the tie at 2-2.
Michael Dokunmu scored the winner in the 76th minute to give South Africa three points. “It wasn’t an easy match. We fought blood and sweat and I want to thank the coaches and players for the push to ensure we won the game,” said the man of the match Mkhawana.
He added; “I dedicate these to everyone in the team for this gallant fight. We will continue working and fighting to get a chance to go to the World Cup.”
South Africa’s next match against Nigeria and Amajimbos will secure a place in the last eight if they earn just a point against Nigeria in the last match of the group.