South Africa's U23 side failed to qualify for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations after failing to beat Congo Brazzaville on Monday evening.
Africa U23 Cup of Nations Qualifier
Result: Congo 0 (1) - (1) 0 South Africa (Congo advance on away goal rule)
Date: 27 March 2023
Venue: Massamba-Debat Stadium
South Africa made four changes to the side that was held to a 1-1 draw in the first-leg on home soil, as England-based Kgaogelo Chauke, Mduduzi Shabalala, Boitumelo Radiopane and Antonio Van Wyk were drafted in the line-up.
The young Bafana came back from a goal down in the first-leg leg to rescue a draw courtesy of a goal by Thapelo Maseko with 21 minutes remaining after Love Bassila Mabiala had given Congo the lead just before the interval.
The likes of Shabalala, Radiopane and Van Wyk changed the complexion of the game after coming off the bench in the first-leg, as the Amakhosi attacker got an assist, hence they were rewarded with starts coach by David Notoane.
The sides created chances in the early stages but they were not decisive in the last third, with Notoane's charges chasing the game after they conceded an away goal in the first leg.
However, Radiopane had a chance to break the deadlock just before the interval but could only release a shot that was easy for the Congo goalkeeper to deal with and South Africa had all the work to do in the second stanza if they were to qualify.
Notoane switched things up after the break, as he introduced Ashley Cupido in place of Van Wyk in an attacking change and brought on Samkelo Zwane in place of Chauke for fresh legs in midfield.
However, chances were few and far between for the sides, as the game became tense, with Congo banking on their away goal advantage.
It was up to South Africa to get a goal that would see them qualify, however, Congo stood firm and held on for a goalless draw and qualified for the tournament in Morocco on away goals rule after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.
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