Vilakazi On Target As Amajita Bow Out Of WC

Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Amajita’s FIFA U20 World Cup campaign has come to an end after losing 3-1 to Colombia in the round of 16 on Wednesday night.

Coach Raymond Mdaka went with the same side that started win over the United States on Monday, as Siviwe Magidigidi, Shakeel April and Mfundo Vilakazi continued to lead the attack for the African champions.

It was the South American side who got the opening goal after just seven minutes when Joel Canchimbo found the back of the net by turning home a cross from Oscar Perea at the far post.

The South Africans did not sit back as Shakeel April carved out an opening for himself in the box after 17 minutes before firing over the crossbar with a left-footed strike.

Amajita should have levelled matters after 31 minutes when Thato Sibiya weaved his way into the box before pulling the ball back for Gomolemo Kekana, who sent his first-effort over the crossbar from around eight yards.

The South Africans were given a lifeline just after the break after being awarded a penalty, which Vilakazi managed to convert at the second time of asking after he was forced to re-take.

Colombia, however, restored their lead just after the hour mark as Perea turned provider once again to pick out Neyser Villareal, who took one touch in the box and fired into the bottom corner.

Coach Mdaka responded with a double change for the African champions on 71 minutes as Magidigidi and Neo Rapoo made way for Jody Ah Shene and Sifiso Timba to freshen up the attack.

However, the Colombians ended any hope of a South African comeback in second-half stoppage time as Villarreal completed his brace with a composed finish in the box to set up a quarter-final clash against Spain.

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