S’Africa’s Amajita Dominates Flying Eagles … 8-Nation Tourney

South Africa’s Under-20 team, Amajita  beat Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 1-0 to bundle them out of the  8 Nation Tournament match at Cape Town Stadium early in the week.

It was a game dominated by South Africa, who missed a lot of opportunities, until Jerry Mxabo put one away at the end.

The early stages of the game were tight with neither team able to gain the upper-hand. Nigeria looked to expose South Africa with aerial balls from out wide, but the host nation did well to get numbers around their opponents.

There was a half chance for Aminu Umar after 21 minutes, but he dragged a low drive just wide.

At the other end, Amajita’s build-up play showed promise, but they lacked the killer ball needed to unlock the Nigeria defence.

It was the Flying Eagles who had the better chances on goal – Uche Agbo not too far off with a glanced header and then the same player setting up Christian Obinna, but with only the keeper to beat Obinna blazed his effort over the bar.

Into stoppage time and Amajita had half a chance, but Jerry Mxabo was unable to get enough on a back post header.

The South African side came out firing on all cylinders after the break, causing the Nigerian defence all kinds of problems with some incisive play around the box.

This time, however, it was the final touch that was missing as Mxabo shot over the bar, while Mbongeni Gumede sent a header marginally wide.

Mxabo then had his header tipped around the post by Chukwunenye Okanki, before Snethemba Ngidi had a goal disallowed for what seemed to be a handball call.

There was a rare chance for the Flying Eagles when Simon Innocent sent a 25-yard effort just off target.

It was Amajita who remained the bigger threat on attack as they continued to attack with pace and determination.

The reward came in the 85th minute, as Mxabo finally got his finishing right, volleying home after Kgosietsile Ntlhe’s excellent back-post ball.

The Flying Eagles exited the tournament without a point after losing to Ghana and Argentina, previously.