Amajimbos gave up a two goal lead against Ivory Coast to draw 2-2 in their opening Group B game of the African U17 Championship.

 

The opening 20 minutes of the clash was an evenly matched affair as both sides looked comfortable on the ball without creating any real chances.

 

However, the deadlock was broken in the 36th minute by Amajimbos. Sibongakonke Mbatha was the man who provided the finish. The Kwazulu-Natal midfielder plays his football at School of Excellence and has made eight appearances for Amajimbos.

 

South Africa's U17s were two goals clear just past the hour mark as Khanyisa Mayo found the back of the Ivory Coast net from a corner kick. Khanyisa is the son of former Bafana Bafana striker Patrick Mayo.

 

Unfortunately for Amajimbos, the defending champions of the tournament pulled a goal back in the 75th minute through defender Koffi Kouao and were back on level terms seven minutes later as Idrissa Doumbia netted an equaliser from a corner kick to ensure the teams shared the spoils.

 

Mayo had two opportunities to seal the three points for South Africa as he was through one-on-one with the keeper in the 73rd and 80th minutes, but he failed to convert his chances.

 

Amajimbos' next fixture is against Mali on Thursday.