TUESDAY, 12.30PM:
THE SOUTH AFRICAN under-23 team opened their Four Nation International Youth soccer tournament campaign with a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The South Africans played amateurish football in the first half, but surprisingly scored in the first 45 minutes. The Zimbabweans, on the other hand, played with great skill and purpose, drawing first blood in the 12th minute when Robson Masawuso scored after a lapse in communication in the South African defence.
The Sasol Super Squad struck back five minutes later when Siyabonga Nomvete after the visitors let their defense slip.
The South Africans were thrilling in the second half, with Steve Lekoelea playing a major part in the revival. Lekoelea’s brilliant play down the left flank was to no avail as his teammates were unable to round off any crosses into the penalty area.
In the same tournament Zambia beat Botswana 2-1. The zambians, who play the Amagluglug on Thursday, are in the lead with three points. South Africa and Zimbabwe are joint second, and Botswana last.