What a great Gift for Under-23s

Rodney Reiners

Gift Motupa and Menzi Masuku now know all about the agony and the ecstasy of the sport always referred to as “the beautiful game”. On Sunday, in Tunisia, the two midfielders were crestfallen when Orlando Pirates were defeated in the CAF Confederation Cup final, by étoile du Sahel.

Yesterday, in Senegal, the Pirates duo inspired the South African Under-23 side to a 3-2 victory over Zambia to keep alive their hopes of making the semi-finals of this Eight Nations tournament. The top three countries at the event qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Despite a positive attacking first-half performance, the South Africans found themselves 1-0 down at halftime after a sensational strike from Zambia’s Conlyde Luchanga. At that stage, things weren’t looking too rosy for South Africa. But 10 minutes into the second half, after a magnificent, courageous fightback, the SA U23s had built a 3-1 advantage, with Masuku netting once and Motupa twice.

After the opening defeat to Senegal, SA U23 coach Owen da Gama rang the changes to the starting line-up.

Ajax Cape Town goalkeeper Jody February replaced Ricardo Goss between the sticks and Tebogo Moerane deputised for the injured Denwin Farmer at left back. Ajax’s Abbubaker Mobara, who played in midfield against Senegal, was moved to right back, while Motupa and Masuku were both drafted into midfield.

The SA U23s attacked with gusto in the opening period, but without creating a clear-cut opportunity. At the back, too, the South Africans were a lot more organised and focused, in contrast to the raft of defensive errors in the Senegal defeat.

Zambia had their moments on the break, though, and were unlucky not to score when Bernard Chepeshi’s screaming shot from range was brilliantly saved by February. With the Zambians demonstrating just how dangerous they could be on attack, it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 35th minute. And, boy, what a goal it was! A cross was floated into the penalty area from the right flank, and Luchanga volleyed the ball into the net, beyond the despairing hands of February.

But desperate times call for desperate measures, and the U23s responded in appropriate fashion when they equalised two minutes into the second half through Masuku. With everything to play for, and their Olympic hopes on the line, it was game on. Adrenalin and belief surged through the squad and, four minutes later, it was 2-1 to South Africa.

Kwanda Mngonyama latched on to a corner at the far post, headed the ball goalwards and Motupa was on hand to nod it into the net. Then a minute later, it was 3-1, with Motupa getting his second of the game, smashing the ball past Zambian goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata at the near-post.

The South Africans then had a big scare when Zambia pulled one back to make it 3-2 when Billy Mutale scored in the 73rd minute, but De Gama’s men managed to hang on for the much-needed victory.